2022/23 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
PHYS3394 Quantum Matter
15 creditsClass Size: 90
Module manager: Prof Oscar Cespedes
Email: O.Cespedes@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2022/23
Pre-requisite qualifications
Level 2 Physics or equivalentModule replaces
PHYS3393 Quantum MatterThis module is not approved as a discovery module
Objectives
At the end of this module you should be able to:- discuss and evaluate the effects of the periodic lattice on electrons within a solid
- describe the physics of phonons (quantised lattice vibrations) and their effect in common material physics such as heat capacity and conductivity
- calculate scattering rates for electrons in metallic conductors due to phonons, impurities an electron interactions (Fermi liquid);
- understand the concept and physics of electronic quasiparticles.
- describe the principles of operation and calculate current voltage characteristics for simple semiconductor devices and lasers;
- use the physical principles for semiconductors to perform basic conceptual designs of electronic devices
- account for differences to the bulk, and perform calculations of, electron transport in nanoscale conductors and systems of reduced dimensionality.
- apply the knowledge in low dimensional physics to current research in the Quantum Hall effect, plasmon resonance and Coulomb blockade.
- understand the principles of ferroelectric materials.
- describe the phenomenology and classical understanding of superconductivity.
Skills outcomes
Ability to solve crystal structures and relate structural properties and functionality.
Syllabus
Outline Syllabus:
- Phonons: Dispersion relation, Einstein and Debye's models, contribution to the heat capacity and thermal conductivity, and electron-phonon scattering.
- Boltzmann's equation and Fermi's golden rule applied to electron scattering.
- Electron-electron interaction: The Hartree equations, screening effect, exchange interaction and the Fermi liquid.
- Physics of semiconducting devices.
- The 2-dimensional electron gas and the quantum Hall effect.
- Physics of low-dimensional (nanoscale) structures.
- Introduction to dielectrics and ferroelectrics, dielectric function of the electron gas and quasiparticles.
- Introduction to superconductivity.
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Workshop | 11 | 1.00 | 11.00 |
Lecture | 22 | 1.00 | 22.00 |
Private study hours | 117.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 33.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150.00 |
Private study
Reading, examples, consolidation: 117 hours.Opportunities for Formative Feedback
3 x exercise sheets.Methods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
Assignment | Assignment (choice of essay or presentation) | 20.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 20.00 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2 hr 30 mins | 80.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 80.00 |
Students will have to complete an in-person exam at the end of the module. This will take place during the examinations period at the end of the semester and will be time bound. Students must submit a serious attempt at all assessments for this module, in order to pass the module overall.
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 29/04/2022 15:31:38
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