00183 - Complements of Physics

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, the student will have the fundamental knowledge on the electrical, magnetic and optical properties of matter. He is able to solve simple problems related to the aforementioned properties, and knows the basic concepts of quantum physics.

Course contents

Prerequisites

For a proper understanding the studentsshould have a basic preparation on mathematics and physics, learned in the previous compulsory courses held in the first year. In particular, derivatives, limits, differential operators, complex numbers; mechanics, dynamics, classical electromagnetism, optics and thermodynamics.

Contents

In this course, three main topics are developed:

1) Quantum Physics: basic notions and real life applications/examples  

Quantum physics and quantization of energy: photoelectric effect, X-ray diffraction, Compton scattering. Electromagnetic wave dualism (wave-particle): electron and neutron diffraction, de Broglie's hypothesis and wave packets, uncertainty and complementarity principles. Fundamentals of quantum mechanics: wave function and Schodinger equation, magnetic moments and electron, proton and neutron spins.

2) Properties of materials

• Electrical properties: Classical and quantum model of conduction, Fermi energy and Fermi-Dirac distribution, band theory, difference between conductors (metals) and insulators, charge carriers, superconductivity; Intrinsic and doped semiconductors ("n" and "p" doping), Hall Effect, p-n junction with forward and reverse bias, diodes and transistors; organic electrochemical transistors.
• Magnetic properties: classical vs quantum model of magnetism, magnetic moment and susceptibility, diamagnetism and paramagnetism; ferromagnetism, Weiss domains, magnetic hysteresis loops, ferrimagnetism, antiferromagnetism.
• Optical properties: electromagnetic waves on a dielectric, polarization vector and dipolarizability mechanisms, complex refractive index and absorption, reflection and transmission coefficient; electromagnetic waves in a conductor, refractive index with approximation at low and high frequencies, plasma frequency and skin effect.
• Thermal properties: heat capacity and Debye temperature, classical vs quantum model (Einstein and Debye models); thermal conduction in dielectrics and conductors (electrical/thermal conduction); thermal expansion

3) Experimental physical techniques for the investigation of condensed matter physics properties

General introduction to the operating principles and use of experimental techniques based on basic and quantum physics among the most common:

• Scanning Probe Microscopy (SEM)
• Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM, KPFM, MFM, C-AFM,...)

Readings/Bibliography

• A. Castro: Proprieta' fisiche della materia. Casa Ed. libreriauniversitaria.it
• Scientific papers, book chapters and slides (will be given to the students)

Alternative:

• Halliday-Resnick-Krane, Fisica 2, Casa Ed. Ambrosiana, 5th edition: chapters 45-49
• C. Kittel, Introduzione alla fisica dello stato solido, Casa Ed. Ambrosiana

Teaching methods

Frontal lectures with the discussion of concrete cases and examples will consist of:

• frontal explanations of the topics covered with the use of slides as a support
• exercises aimed at consolidating the knowledge of the topics covered (real life and quantitative examples)

Students are required to attend lessons in order to better learn all the explained topics and being capable of solving simple problems on the topics covered.

Assessment methods

The end-of-course exam will assess the student's degree of learning of the topics covered and his understanding of the fundamental physical properties of condensed matter physics.

The test will be oral with open questions and/or exercises carried out on the basis of what was covered in class.

The precision and clarity of the presentation of the physics of materials topics will be evaluated, together with the ability to argue a concept and use of technical language.

The student will be evaluated with excellent degrees (28-30) if he demonstrates a broad command of the concepts of physics of materials, with the use of precise scientific language, high capacity for argumentation and complete expository clarity.

Fairly good evaluations (24-27) will be given if the student's knowledge is sufficient, but mainly mechanical and/or mnemonic on the physical properties of materials, with an average level of synthesis and articulation of speech, but with correct technical language.

Those interviews in which minimal but sufficient knowledge of the physical material properties, using a limited and inappropriate technical language, with minimal argumentative ability and expository clarity, will lead to marks just above the sufficiency (18-23).

Oral interviews showing large gaps in the exam topics on material physics, highly inappropriate language, lack of argumentative skills and expository clarity will be considered insufficient.

Teaching tools

Projection of slides with power-point, together with scientific papers or book chapters.

Presentations and teaching materials will be provided in electronic format on AMS Campus

Office hours

See the website of Francesco Decataldo