Solid state physics
Undergraduate · Physics
Syllabus focus
Topics typically covered
Standard syllabus
Crystals and diffraction
- Bravais lattices and basis
- Reciprocal lattice and Brillouin zones
- X-ray and neutron diffraction
- Miller indices and structure factors
- Phonons as lattice vibrations
Electronic structure
- Free electron and nearly-free electron models
- Bloch's theorem and band gaps
- Metals, insulators, and semiconductors
- Effective mass and carrier statistics
- Doping and p–n junctions
Collective phenomena
- Magnetism: para, ferro, and antiferro
- Superconductivity: BCS overview
- Dielectric and optical properties
- Thermal properties of solids
- Defects and dislocations
STEM / applied
Devices and materials engineering
- Transistor and MOSFET operation
- Photovoltaics and LED heterostructures
- Thermoelectric materials
- 2D materials: graphene and TMDCs
- Topological insulators applications hype vs reality
Characterization techniques
- ARPES and STM surface probes
- Hall effect measurements
- Raman and IR spectroscopy of phonons
- Thin-film deposition methods
- Cryogenic measurement setups
Computational materials
- DFT software workflows (qualitative)
- Band structure plotting tools
- Phonon dispersion from force constants
- Connecting simulation to transport data
- Materials databases: Materials Project
Study units
Each unit includes a study guide, worksheets, review, practice test, and answer key. One unit is free; subscribe for the full class.
- Crystals and diffraction
Bravais lattices and basis
Coming soon - Electronic structure
Free electron and nearly-free electron models
Coming soon - Collective phenomena
Magnetism: para, ferro, and antiferro
Coming soon
Notes
Topics reflect common upper-division physics syllabi at US colleges and universities. Prerequisites, lab pairing, and mathematical depth vary by department.