Solid State Physics I
                                                                                                              (PHYS 881)
                                                                                                                Fall 1999
                                                                                                  Instructor:  T. S. Rahman

This is a two-semester graduate level course in which a broad range of  topics covering the fundamentals of solid state physics, as well as, the basis 
of several specialized phenomena in the area will be discussed. In the first semester we will be concerned mostly with introductory material to provide
a sound foundation of the subject. In the second semester we will venture deeper into the subject and also study several special topics. Since solid
state physics covers a vast area of physics and also infringes on certain parts of chemistry, the course, the text-books, and the research in the field
depend on the intellectual biases and training of the individual. It is thus not possible to select a single excellent  text book for the course. In my
lectures I will be using material from (but not restricted to) the following books:

"Solid State Physics" by N. Ashcroft and M. Mermin
"Introductory Solid State Physics" by C. Kittel, Seventh Edition 
"Solid State Physics" by H. Ibach and H. Luth (Springer).

Your grade in the course will be based approximately on the following:

     *  Weekly assignments - 30%
     *  Midterm Exam - 30%
     *  Final Exam - 40%

Weekly assignments will generally be given in the Tuesday lecture and will be due the following Tuesday. 

Some of the assignments will involve simulations and for this purpose I will use the following book:

"Solid State Physics Simulations" by Johnston, Keeler, Rollins and Spricklemire.

Lectures:  T/Th 2:05 - 3:20 p.m. CW146.

Mid-term Exam: Oct. 19, 1999.
Final Exam:    Dec. 16, 1999.

Extra lectures: By mutual consent we will arrange an extra lecture each week in which we will discuss the assigned and related problems.  These
times may also serve as make-up lecture when needed.

I would like to work on the following topics during the first semester. It will be to your advantage to read the material before coming to the
lecture and participate in the discussion.

 1.    Introduction: Chemical Bonding in Solids
 2.    Crystal Structure: The 'Real' Lattice
 3.    The Reciprocal Lattice
 4.    The Diffraction of Waves and Particles by Crystals
 5.    Crystal Binding and Elastic Constants: Continuum Model
 6.    Lattice Vibrations and Thermal Properties: Phonons
 7.    Free Electron Theory: Drude, Sommerfeld
 8.    Electrons in a Periodic Potential: Bloch's Theorem, Nearly Free Electrons
 9.    The Tight Binding Method for Energy Bands
10.    Band Structure of Semiconductors
11.    Real Metals: The Fermi Surface

Plagiarizing Notice:

Plagiarism and cheating are serious offenses and may be punished by failure on the exam, paper or project; failure in the course; and/or
expulsion from the university. For more information refer to the "Academic Dishonesty" policy in K-State Undergraduate Catalog and the 
Undergraduate Honor System Policy on the Provost's web page at http://www.ksu.edu/honor . 

If you have any condition such as a physical or learning disability, which will make it difficult for you to carry out the work as I have outlined it
or which will require academic accommodations, please notify me and contact the Disabled Students Office (Holton 202), in the first two weeks
of the course.