PH 436: Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics (2023) Spring
Prof Hridis Kumar Pal

Prerequisite

None

Course Content

Crystal structures, reciprocal lattice, X-ray and electron diffraction. Lattice vibrations, Einstein and Debye models, phonons. Drude and Sommerfeld models. Bloch theorem, Empty lattice and nearly free electron model, tight-binding model, Density of states and Fermi surfaces. Semi classical model of electron dynamics. Concept of Effective mass.

Books

1.011N. Ashcroft and N.D. Mermin, Solid state physics 2.011C. Kittel, Introduction to solid state physics, 7th ed., John Wiley 1997. 3.011J. R. Christman, Fundamentals of Solid State Physics. John Wiley 1988 4.011Ibach and Luth, Solid State Physics, Springer Verlag 2009

Review by Anonymous

Lectures

Aside from the content on ASC, Hridid sir Planned to cover Topology in CMP, which is a new Emerging field in condensed matter research area. Although we couldn't cover it, unlike the senior batch, The idea seemed cool to me.

Assignments, Exams and Grading

3 x 10% quizzes 50% Endsem 10% Project (nothing complicated) 10% Tutorial attendance

Tips

New topic and ideas Problems may not be straightforwardAttend lectures regularly. CMP is an entirely new topic, compared to the previous courses. So it may get a little difficult to keep up with the course content. Solve assignments/ problem sets/ tutorials regularly. The theory becomes clear after a point, but using it in solving problem is a next challenge.

Review by Anonymous

Lectures

Topics on ASC + introduction to topology (we could not cover it)

Assignments, Exams and Grading

3 quizzes of 10 marks each 5 tutorial sessions for total of 10 marks 1 group presentation for 10 marks Endsem for 50 marks

Tips

Concepts build up so it's good to attend lectures regularly Tutorial sessions are worth attending 50% weightage for endsem felt too much (although endsem turned out to be relatively easy) so negotiate it with the professor if needed