Introduction to Quantum Mechanics and Solid State Electronics

This course offers an introduction to key topics within solid state physics required to describe modern solid state electronics from a materials perspective. The following topics will be discussed: introduction to quantum mechanics, chemical bonds in solids, introduction to crystallography, energy band structures in crystals, phonons, and thermal properties of crystals.

Knowledge:

The student has insight in:

• classical waves and the wave equation.
• basic concepts of quantum mechanics.
• basic mechanisms behind chemical bonds in crystalline materials.
• most important crystal structures and basic crystallography.
• what a reciprocal lattice is and how it is used.
• important models explaining energy band structure in solids.
• the concepts: band gap, Fermi level, Fermi-Dirac distribution, density of states.
• what phonons are and how these are linked to the thermal properties of solids.

Skills:

The student can:

• describe harmonic waves mathematically.
• use quantum mechanical formalism to solve simple one-dimensional problems.
• make use of the reciprocal lattice as a tool for analysis of crystalline materials.

General expertise:

The student can:

• solve project assignments through collaboration in a group.
• acquire new knowledge by collecting information from available online sources.
• build understanding of abstract concepts where practical experience is lacking.

The course is largely based on project-based learning and combines classroom teaching, video lectures and project work in groups. The project work takes place in cooperative learning areas under close guidance from the professor as well as teaching assistants.

The project work is compulsory (attendance 80%) and all project reports must be approved before the exam. 6 to 7 project assignments will be given.