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CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS II

Academic year and teacher
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Versione italiana
Academic year
2016/2017
Teacher
LORIS GIOVANNINI
Credits
6
Didactic period
Secondo Semestre
SSD
FIS/03

Training objectives

This course provides a basic knowledge of Atomic Physics (multielectron atoms), of Molecular Physics (electron and vibration-rotation states of simple molecules), of Solid State and of the interaction of radiation with matter.

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of Quantum Mechanics is recommended; moreover, passing the "Structure of Mater I" exam is a prerequisite for taking the examination of this course.

Course programme

Properties of atomic wavefunctions: quantum numbers, spatial probability (2 hours).
Stern-Gerlach experiment; electron spin; LS coupling; relativistic effects, Landè interval rule (2 hours). Lamb effect, iperfine structure; spontaneous emission; selection rules in a strong magnetic field; inversion operator, selection rules in the electric dipole approximation; spontaneous and stimulated emission, comparison with the black body radiation (Einstein model) (6 hours).
Multielectron atoms; fermions, simmetry of the wavefunctions, orthohelium and parahelium; Hartree model (4 hours). Ionization potential; X ray emission spectra, Moseley's rule; Auger effect (2 hours). Alkali atoms; atoms with two or more optical electrons; energy levels of the carbon atom; optical transitions and selection rules; Zeeman effect, Landè factor and Paschen-Bach effect in multielectron atoms (6 hours).
Molecules electronic structure, LCAO model; bonding and antibonding orbitals; diatomic molecules, covalent and dipolar bonding; polyatomic molecules (4 hours). Hybridization; conjugated molecules: optical properties (2 hours). Molecular excitations: rotations, vibrations; electronic and rotation-vibration combined transitions; Franck-Condon principle (4 hours). Atomic spectra; Raman scattering (2 hours). Heat capacity of a polyatomic gas (molecules), rotational and vibrational contributions (2 hours).
Reciprocal lattice; X-ray diffraction; Von Laue model (2 hours). Ewald sphere, experimental methods; structure and form factor, forbidden reflections (2 hours). Electrons in a periodic potential, Bloch theorem; electron wavevector, physical meaning (2 hours). Weak periodic potential, energy gap (2 hours). Electric conductivity in the band model; conductors, insulators and semiconductors (2 hours). Semiconductors: valence and conduction bands, holes (2 hours).

Didactic methods

Formal lectures and problem solving sessions.

Learning assessment procedures

The aim of the exam is to verify at which level the learning objectives previously described have been acquired.

The examination is divided in two tests, i.e. written and oral sessions. The written test consists in solving some problems concerning the program is fully passed with a score of 18 to 30. The interview will be held a few days after the written test and check the preparation of the student in dealing with the proposed topics. The final mark will take into account the overall results of the examinations (written and oral tests).

Reference texts

1)R.Eisberg, R.Resnick "Quantum Physics of Atoms, Molecules, Solids, Nuclei and Particles", 2nd Edition, J.Wiley & Sons, 1985 (Capitoli 8,9,10)
2)Alonso-Finn "Quantum and statistical Physics" vol. 3, Addison-Wesley (Chapters 5,12)
3)C. Kittel "Introduction to Solid State Physics" VI Edizione, J. Wiley &Sons, 1986 (Capitoli 2,5,6,7,8).