- UCAS course code
- F3FA
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course unit details:
Frontiers of Solid State Physics
| Unit code | PHYS40411 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 10 |
| Unit level | Level 4 |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 1 |
| Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
Frontiers of Solid State Physics
Pre/co-requisites
| Unit title | Unit code | Requirement type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Properties of Matter | PHYS10352 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
| PHYS20252 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory | |
| Condensed Matter Physics | PHYS30051 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
Aims
To present several topics of contemporary solid state physics.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the course, the students will be able to
1. Rationalise the concept of topology in solid state physics.
2. Analyse main quantum properties (charge, spin, valley, etc.) of low-dimensional materials and their heterostructures.
3. Analyse and describe main scanning probe techniques for characterization of low-dimensional systems
4. Conduct elementary calculations and estimations of quantities relevant to the various parts of the syllabus.
Syllabus
A. Mishchenko (12 Lectures)
- Quantum confinement in 2D, 1D, and 0D
- Physics of graphene, other 2D materials, and van der Waals heterostructures
- Many-body physics: magnetism and superconductivity in 2D
- Topological materials and quantum Hall effect
L. Fumagalli (12 Lectures)
- Fundamentals of scanning probe microscopy (SPM)
- Scanning Tunnelling Microscopy (STM)
- Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)
- Scanning Near-Field Optical Microscopy (SNOM)
- Overview of advanced SPM techniques and modes, including other electrical, optical and magnetic techniques
- Examples of SPM application to nanostructures and low-dimensional systems (2D, 1D, 0D)
Assessment methods
| Method | Weight |
|---|---|
| Written exam | 100% |
Feedback methods
Feedback will be available on students’ solutions to example problems, and model answers will be issued.
Recommended reading
Charles Kittel, Introduction to Solid State physics, (Wiley) 2005
Mikhail I. Katsnelson, Graphene: Carbon in Two Dimensions, (Cambridge University Press) 2012
Avouris, P., Heinz, T., & Low, T. 2D Materials: Properties and Devices. (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press) 2017
E. Meyer, H. J. Hug, R. Bennewitz, Scanning Probe Microscopy - The lab on a Tip Springer, Berlin, 2004.
Study hours
| Scheduled activity hours | |
|---|---|
| Assessment written exam | 1.5 |
| Lectures | 24 |
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 74.5 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Artem Mishchenko | Unit coordinator |
| Laura Fumagalli | Unit coordinator |