Course description - Course content

Course description:
This course is an introduction to the relationships connecting atomic structure and macroscopic properties of solids. It includes an introduction to the calculus of periodic functions of three variables, including Bravais Lattices.
Two simple models are used throughout the class: the homogeneous solid (Jellium) and the linear combination of atomic orbitals (LCAO). Through these models, all key properties of solids are introduced to the students, including mechanical, thermal, electrical, optical and magnetic properties. Relatioships between quantities that describe different properties are highlighted.

Course content:
- Basic physical properties of solids. Dimensional analysis and estimations of orders of magnitude.
- Crystal lattices and periodicity. Bravais- and composite lattices. Lattice- and basis vectors. Reciprocal latice and Brillouin zone. Bloch's theorem.
- The model of homogeneous solid (jellium) and first-principles calculations for the cohesive energy, density and bulk modulus.
- Motion of electrons motion in the homogeneous solid - Fermi model.
- Motion of ions in the homogeneous solid - Debye model.
- Thermal properties of solids .
- Motion of electrons and ions in realistic materials.
- Electrical, magnetic and optical properties.

Keywords: Solid Physics, thermal motion, electrical properties, mechanical properties.