Solid-state physics

Solid-state physics

Solid-state physics, the largest branch of condensed matter physics, is the study of rigid matter, or solids. The bulk of solid-state physics theory and research is focused on crystals, largely because the periodicity of atoms in a crystal — its defining characteristic —facilitates mathematical modeling, and also because crystalline materials often have electrical, magnetic, optical, or mechanical properties that can be exploited for engineering purposes.

The framework of most solid-state physics theory is the Schrödinger (wave) formulation of non-relativistic quantum mechanics. Bloch's theorem, which characterizes the wavefunctions of electrons in a periodic potential, is an important starting point for much analysis. Since Bloch's theorem applies only to periodic potentials, and since unceasing random movements of atoms in a crystal disrupt periodicity, this use of Bloch's theorem is only an approximation, but it has proven to be a tremendously valuable approximation, without which most solid-state physics analysis would be intractable. Deviations from periodicity are treated by quantum mechanical perturbation theory.

Topics

*Amorphous solid
*Crystal structure
**defects
**quasicrystal
**Free electron model
**reciprocal lattice
**X-ray crystallography
**neutron diffraction
**dynamical theory of diffraction
**Crystal momentum
*Dielectric properties
**ferroelectricity
**Refractive index
**Double refraction
**polaron
*Electronic structure
**band gap
**Bloch waves (electron waves in a lattice)
**conduction band
**effective mass
**electron hole
**Fermi gas
***Fermi energy
**Fermi liquid
**exciton
**plasmon
**valence band
*Electronic transport
**Bloch oscillations
**Drude model
**electrical conduction
**Hall effect
**magnetoresistance
**superconductivity
*Magnetic properties
**magnetism
*Mechanical properties
**crystal acoustics
**Debye model of specific heat
**Einstein model of specific heat
**elasticity
**hardness
**hyper sound
**Mössbauer effect
**nanomechanics (nanoscale structures)
**phonons (lattice vibrations)
**plastic deformation
**ultrasonic
*Optical properties
**Brillouin scattering
**crystal optics
**infrared absorption
**optical phonon
**Raman scattering

ee also

*Alloys
*Insulator
*Metal
*Semiconductor
*Semi-metal
*Spin glass
*Surface science

External links and references

* Online textbook: " [http://folk.uio.no/yurig/fys448/Fys448.html Introduction to Modern Solid State Physics] " by Yuri M. Galperin.


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем написать реферат

Look at other dictionaries:

  • solid-state physics — noun the branch of physics that studies the properties of materials in the solid state: electrical conduction in crystals of semiconductors and metals; superconductivity; photoconductivity • Hypernyms: ↑physics, ↑natural philosophy * * * solid… …   Useful english dictionary

  • solid state physics — kietojo kūno fizika statusas T sritis fizika atitikmenys: angl. solid state physics vok. Festkörperphysik, f rus. физика твёрдого тела, f pranc. physique de l’état solide, f; physique des corps solides, f; physique du solide, f …   Fizikos terminų žodynas

  • Solid State Physics Laboratory — Infobox Laboratory name = Solid State Physics Laboratory motto = established = 1962 city = Delhi research field = type = director = Dr. R. Murlitharan staff = budget = operating agency = DRDO affiliations = address = Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi …   Wikipedia

  • solid-state physics — Branch of physics concerned with the physical properties of solid materials. It deals with the properties of crystal lattice arrangements of atoms, and dislocations and defects in the arrangements. These structures are especially important in the …   Universalium

  • Computational chemical methods in solid-state physics — follow the same approach as they do for molecules, but with two differences. First, the translational symmetry of the solid has to be utilised, and second, it is possible to use completely delocalised basis functions such as plane waves as an… …   Wikipedia

  • Computational chemical methods in solid state physics — follow the same approach as they do for molecules, but with two differences. First, the translational symmetry of the solid has to be utilised, and second, it is possible to use completely delocalised basis functions such as plane waves as an… …   Wikipedia

  • Solid-state chemistry — is the study of the synthesis, structure, and physical properties of solid materials. It therefore has a strong overlap with solid state physics, mineralogy, crystallography, ceramics, metallurgy, thermodynamics, materials science and electronics …   Wikipedia

  • Solid state — may refer to:In science:*Solid state chemistry *Solid state physics *Solid state laser *Solid matterIn electronics:*Solid state (electronics) are circuits that do not contain relays, vacuum tubes or, more currently, moving parts. *Solid state… …   Wikipedia

  • solid-state — adj 1.) solid state electrical equipment contains electronic parts, such as ↑silicon chips, rather than moving ↑mechanical parts 2.) solid state ↑physics is concerned with the qualities of solid substances, especially the way in which they… …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • solid-state electronics — solid state electronics, the branch of electronics that deals with semiconductors, masers, and similar electronic devices developed from studies in solid state physics …   Useful english dictionary

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”