260010 VO Solid State Physics I (2008W)

Structure and properties of solids. Particular emphasis on problems of ongoing research.

Solid state physics (also called physics of condensed matter) applies the principles of quantum physics to macroscopic well-detectable phenomena. About half of the graduates in physics afterwards work in research and industry on questions of solid state physics. Therefore in nearly all universities in German speaking parts of Europe a solid state physics course in the 5th and/or 6th semester is obligatory.

At our faculty an Introduction to Solid State Physics is scheduled in the 4th semester. In solid state physics many questions from quantum physics which, however, has not been taught at this stage, can be studied in an appealing and practical way. Therefore an iterated study of solid state physics AFTER the 4th semester can be of great use.

One main focus of the lecture will be on the demonstration of solid state experiments (via applets) serving to gain a deeper qualitative understanding, and to a lesser degree on theory.

If there is interest we will teach Solid State Physics II (Physics of Condensed Matter II) in SS 2009.