PHYSICS 4750 Physics of Modern Materials
Fall 2013
Paul M. Shand

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Course Description

Physics of Modern Materials is a course dedicated to the study of the physical properties of materials, with special emphasis on the electronic properties. A significant fraction of the course will be devoted to the physics of semiconductors and semiconductor devices. The reason is that the information and communication technology industry, which contributes significantly to the economic growth of the United States, is largely based on microprocessors and other hardware fabricated from silicon -- a semiconductor. In addition, magnetic and superconducting properties will be discussed, along with applications -- both present and future. The driving and animating force of the course is the illumination of the principles of materials physics that underlie the operation of modern devices. Thus, the emphasis will be on the physics and not the intricate details of device technology. There will also be a small number of laboratory activities throughout the semester. Upon successfully completing this course, a student will have a basic understanding of band theory and its application to semiconducting materials and devices. The student should also be conversant with fundamental properties of optoelectronic, magnetic, and superconducting materials and their exploitation in various modern devices.

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  Syllabus

  Homework Assignments (see E-Learning)

  Homework Solutions (see E-Learning)

  Lecture Notes (see E-Learning)

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