PHYS8702 Solid State Physics and Optoelectronics GE

1. Crystal Structures, Brillouin Zones and elementary diffraction
2. Metals and the Free electron model
3. Band theory of solids
4. Semiconductors and devices p-n junctions, transistors, LEDs
5. Magnetism
6. Superconductivity and devices
7. Finite solids and nanostructures
8. Wave nature of Light
9. Waveguides, Optical fibres
10. Lasers
11. Photodetectors and Image sensors
12. Polarization and non-linear optics

This topic aims to give students a sound understanding of the basics in solid state physics and devices, waveguides and nonlinear optics. The topic will include:

• The understanding of the formal theories underlying these phenomena
• Further understanding and skills to be developed through problem solving in these areas, particularly computational skills using the Mathematica high-level computational application. Laboratory experiments will be used to develop understanding of some of the key concepts as well as the further development of laboratory skills

1. Understand the band structure of solids
2. Explain how electronic structure affects the bulk properties of solids
3. Describe the formation and behaviour of charge carriers
4. Understand the working mechanisms of semiconductor and superconducting devices
5. Understand how the properties of solids change with size
6. Understand and model electromagnetic waveguide effects as well as non-linear electromagnetic effects in dielectrics
7. Program in Mathematica
8. Develop further laboratory and report writing skills
9. Have a sound grounding in and expert knowledge of the basic sciences relevant to employment or further study in the traditional sciences
10. Be prepared to work in a high tech work force or pursue a research higher degree in nanotechnology
11. Analyse and critically evaluate ideas/information/data and apply relevant scientific principles to solve problems by, for example, creating hypotheses, testing theories and predictions, designing and carrying out experiments and analysing reported data
12. Design and carry out experiments using both classical and novel science techniques and protocols
13. Communicate their findings to a variety of audiences in written and spoken form through debates, posters, reports and oral presentations
14. Appreciate that there are the relationships and connections across the sciences and non-science disciplines are core to nanotechnology and understand such relationships and connections
15. Work and learn independently and appreciate the need for life-long learning
16. Interact effectively as part of a team in order to achieve common goals