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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 equivalent

Module replaces

PHYS3393 Quantum Matter

This 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 typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Workshop111.0011.00
Lecture221.0022.00
Private study hours117.00
Total Contact hours33.00
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 typeNotes% of formal assessment
AssignmentAssignment (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 typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)2 hr 30 mins80.00
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 website

Last updated: 29/04/2022 15:31:38

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