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Condensed Matter Physics 1

Module PH0017 [KM Expert 1]

This module handbook serves to describe contents, learning outcome, methods and examination type as well as linking to current dates for courses and module examination in the respective sections.

Module version of WS 2017/8

There are historic module descriptions of this module. A module description is valid until replaced by a newer one.

Whether the module’s courses are offered during a specific semester is listed in the section Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature below.

available module versions
WS 2022/3WS 2021/2WS 2020/1WS 2019/20WS 2018/9WS 2017/8WS 2010/1

Basic Information

PH0017 is a semester module in German language at Bachelor’s level which is offered in winter semester.

This Module is included in the following catalogues within the study programs in physics.

  • Mandatory Modules in Bachelor Programme Physics (5th Semester, Specialization KM)

If not stated otherwise for export to a non-physics program the student workload is given in the following table.

Total workloadContact hoursCredits (ECTS)
270 h 90 h 9 CP

Responsible coordinator of the module PH0017 in the version of WS 2017/8 was Rudolf Gross.

Content, Learning Outcome and Preconditions

Content

Crystal structure and structural analysis:

periodic lattices – basic terms, definitions and basic forms
specific crystal structures
defects and real crystals
reciprocal lattice and diffraction 

Crystal binding: 

van-der-Waals, ionic binding
covalent and metallic binding
hydrogen bond

Elastic properties:

continuum approximation
strain components
elastic waves

Lattice dynamics:

classical theory of lattice dynamics
quantisation of lattice vibrations
density of states in the phonon spectrum
 

Thermal properties:

specific heat capacity
anharmonic effects and thermal expansion
heat conductivity


Electrons in solids:

free-electron gas
Bloch states and band structure
classification scheme for metals, semi-metals, semiconductors, insulators
Fermi surfaces


Dynamics of electrons in solids:

semiclassical modell
scattering
Boltzmann equation and coefficients

Learning Outcome

The lecture and exercise group allow the students to:

- apply basic concepts from Condensed Matter Physics, to explain physical properties related to the condensed state of matter by considering the crystalline nature. In particular, mechanical properties, lattice dynamics, specific heat, heat conduction, basics of electron transport can be addressed;

- know the impact of pioneers in the field of condensed matter physics for the most relevant inventions and discoveries;

- sketch important experimental techniques;

- explain physical properties by considering classical theories, quantum theory and thermodynamics;

- apply expert knowledge to daily life situations concerned with condensed matter physics, lab excercises, internships and future experiments.

Preconditions

Knowledge of experimental physics, electromagnetism, electrodynamics, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics.

Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature

Courses and Schedule

TypeSWSTitleLecturer(s)DatesLinks
VO 4 Condensed Matter Physics 1 Pfleiderer, C. Tue, 12:00–14:00, PH HS2
Thu, 10:00–12:00, PH HS2
eLearning
documents
UE 2 Exercise to Condensed Matter Physics 1 Deyerling, A.
Responsible/Coordination: Pfleiderer, C.
dates in groups eLearning
documents
UE 2 Large Tutorial to Condensed Matter Physics 1 Hollricher, M.
Responsible/Coordination: Pfleiderer, C.
Mon, 12:00–14:00, PH HS3
and singular or moved dates

Learning and Teaching Methods

lecture (4 hour per week) and exercises (2 hour per week)

Media

Hand written notes on the tablet PC, sketches of experimental setups, presentation of relevant data using powerpoint, handouts of relevant slides. A pdf version of the lecture content will be provided via the internet for download. At the same time, there will be exercises for download and discussion in exercise groups.

Literature

R. Gross, A. Marx, (in German) "Festkörperphysik", 2. Auflage, De Gruyter (2014).

N.W. Ahcroft, N.D Mermin, "Solid State Physics", Holt-Saunders International Editions.

C. Kittel, "Introduction to Solid State Physics", Wiley. 

Ch. Weißmantel, C. Hamann, (in German) "Grundlagen der Festkörperphysik", Wiley-VCH.

H. Ibach, H. Lüth, (in German) "Festkörperphysik: Einführung in die Grundlagen", Springer.

Module Exam

Description of exams and course work

Es findet eine schriftliche Klausur von 90 Minuten Dauer statt. Mittels spezifischer Fragestellung wird überprüft, inwieweit die Studierenden in der Lage sind, die grundlegenden Konzepte aus der Physik der kondensierten Materie anzuwenden. Hierzu sind physikalische Eigenschaften, die an kondensierter Materie beobachtet werden, mit der kristallinen Struktur in Verbindung zu bringen und zu erklären. Des Weiteren beantworten die Studierenden qualitativ und quantitativ Verständnisfragen zu den in der Vorlesung behandelten grundlegenden experimentellen Methoden der Physik der kondensierten Materie zu den Themenbereichen mechanische Eigenschaften, Gitterdynamik, spezifische Wärme, Wärmeleitungseigenschaften und Grundzüge des Transports von Elektronen durch Festkörper. Die physikalischen Eigenschaften von Festkörpern sind auf der Basis klassischer und quantenmechanischer Modelle sowie unter Zuhilfenahme der Thermodynamik quantitativ zu erklären.

Die Teilnahme am Übungsbetrieb wird dringend empfohlen.

Wurden mindesten zwei Drittel der Übungsaufgaben als Hausaufgaben bearbeitet, wird auf die bestandene Modulprüfung Bonus (eine Zwischennotenstufe "0,3" besser) gewährt. Die Bearbeitung und Abgabe der Hausaufgaben ist in Zweiergruppen möglich.

Exam Repetition

The exam may be repeated at the end of the semester.

Current exam dates

Currently TUMonline lists the following exam dates. In addition to the general information above please refer to the current information given during the course.

Title
TimeLocationInfoRegistration
Exam on Condensed Matter Physics 1
Fri, 2024-02-16, 11:00 till 12:30 1801
1801
till 2024-01-15 (cancelation of registration till 2024-02-09)
Tue, 2024-03-26, 13:30 till 15:00 1450
1450
till 2024-03-21
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