PHYS 152A

Undergraduate Condensed Matter Physics

Schedule of Classes

  • Lecture: Tue, Thu 12:30-13:50, Mayer-A 2623

  • Discussion session: Tue 14:00-14:50, Mayer 5301

  • No final exam

  • Instructor: Yi-Zhuang You (尤亦庄) (sounds like EACH-ONE, YOU) (He/Him/His)

  • Teaching Assistants

  • Course grade: homework 50%, final paper 50%.

    • Final paper topic: choose any topic related to condensed matter physics, expand a bit more beyond what has been covered in the class, or write a summary of what you found interesting, or make connections to topics in your major/research.

    • Final paper format: PDF file. Title, your name, introduction, …, summary, reference. Paper length: about 4 pages (PRL length) or around 4000 words.

    • Final paper deadline: March 24th (the end of the quarter).

Textbooks

The lecture will closely follow this book:

[1] Steven H. Simon, The Oxford Solid State Basics. Oxford University Press. (2013)

Lecture Notes

As a UCSD student, you have free access to Mathematica (see how).

Part 0. Introduction (Mathematica) (PDF)

  • Introduction
    • What is Condensed Matter Physics?
    • Why do we Study Condensed Matter Physics?
    • Central Themes of Condensed Matter Physics

Part 1. Atomic System (Mathematica) (PDF)

  • Crystal Geometry
    • Crystal Formation
    • Lattice Structure
    • Reciprocal Lattice
    • Scattering Experiment
    • Summary
  • Phonon
    • Lattice Vibration
    • Specific Heat of Solid
    • Stability of Crystal Order

Part 2. Electronic System (Mathematica) (PDF)

  • Electrons in Solids
    • Quantum Mechanics of Electrons
    • 1D Electronic Systems
    • 2D Electronic Systems
    • General Theory of Electrons in Crystals
  • Properties of Metals
    • Thermodynamic Properties
    • Transport Properties