CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS

Learning objectives
This course is offered during the first semester of the second year, and is a core (i.e. required) for all second year students. It builds upon previous courses (Principles of Physical Chemistry, Mathematical Methods of Physics) to set up a rigorous theory of molecular and solid state physics. The course is roughly divided in three parts. The first part deals with basic elements of statistical mechanics; the central part is devoted to atomic and molecular theory. The last part hinges upon Solid State theory at the level appropriate to a second level degree.

Expected students learning results
Upon exit from this course, students will be able to
1. Identify characteristic length and energy scales of a problem
2. Identify the correct theoretical approach for any given problem
3. Perform exact analytical calculation using advanced mathematical techniques
4. Be familiar with approximate methods (e.g. perturbation theory)
5. Identify the limitations of an approximate methods and use them properly
6. Be able to read any advanced paper/book on this topic on their own

Course prerequisites
Knowledge of all mathematical tools at the level of those offered by the course of Mathematical Methods of Physics or similar, is required. Also required is the knowledge of classical physics (Classical Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Electromagnetism) as covered in conventional scientific first degree programs. Useful, but not necessary, is a previous exposition to the principle of quantum mechanics at the level of that covered by the course of Principle of Physical Chemistry or similar.

Course layout
THERMODYNAMIC POTENTIALS (Legendre transform, Euler and Gibbs-Duhem equations, Helmholts and Gibbs potentials, grand-potentials)
STATISTICAL MECHANICS (Kinetic Theory, Maxwell-Boltzmann, Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein distributions)
TRANSPORT THEORY(Drude Theory, Thermal and electrical conductivity, Fermi ideal gas, Sommerfeld theory, Wiedeman-Franz law)
EXACT SOLUTION FOR HYDROGEN ATOM (Augular momentum theory, Legendre equation, Frobenius method, radial equation and solution )
ATOMISTIC AND MOLECULAR THEORY (Perturbation theory, ground state of Helium atom, parahelium and orthohelium)
CRYSTAL STRUCTURE (Bravais lattice, Reciprocal lattice, Brillouin zone)
BAND THEORY(Bloch theorem, two-levels example and bands)
HARMONIC CRYSTAL(Harmonic potential, Normal modes for a biatomistic molec)
QUANTUM CRYSTAL()
Additional topics
DIAMAGNETISM AND PARAMAGNETISM
ELECTRON INTERACTIONS AND FERROMAGNETISM

Solid State Physics

N. W. Ashcroft e N. D. Mermin: Solid State Physics (Saunders College 1976) [BAS]

C. Kittel: Introduction to Solid State Physics (J. Wiley & Sons, Canada 1971) [BAS]

J. R. Hooke e H.E. Hall: Solid State Physics (J. Wiley & Son, 1999) [BAS]

Atomic and Molecular Physics

L. I. Schiff: Quantum Mechanics (Mc. Graw-Hill 1968) [BAS]

C. Cohen, B. Diu, F. Laloe: Quantum Mechanics Vol 1 e 2 (Wiley Hermann 1977) [BAS]

R. Feynman, R. Leighton e M. Sands: La Fisica di Feynman Vol III (Masson Italia Editori, Milano 1985) [BAS]

M.Blinder: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (Elsevier 2004) [BAS]
James E. House: Fundamental of Quantum Chemistry (Elvevier 2004) [BAS]

Statistical Thermodynamics

F. Reif: Fundamental of Statistical and Thermal Physics (MC Graw Hill 1987) [BAS]

C. Kittel e H. Kroemer: Termodinamica Statistica (Boringhieri 1985) [BAS]

L. Reichl: A Modern Course in Statistical Physics (University of Texas 1980) [BAS]

H. B. Callen: Thermodynamics and an Introduction to Thermostatics (Wiley & Son 1985) [BAS]

Assessment methods
Written and oral exams

Detailed description of the assessment methods
Final grade will be the average of an oral exam (worth 50% of the final grade) and of the average grade reported on homeworks that will be assigned during the semester (and worth the additional 50% of the final grade). All homeworks must be handed in within the due date. Failure to do that will result into the impossibility of taking the oral exam. Later turning in will be penalized in terms of grades. The allotted time for each homework will be on average three weeks.

Teaching methods
Stimulated by the pandemia crisis and the partial lockdown to the university facilities, the course has been revised in order to fully exploit the additional opportunities provided by the new teaching tools. So, while all calculations will be spelled out in details on a digital blackboard, use will be made of selected more complex examples requiring numerical solutions. These will provide the student with an additional expertise in numerical calculations.
Lecture recording as well as supporting materials will also be available at the instructor moodle learning platform.

English

STRUCTURE AND CONTENT OF THE COURSE COULD CHANGE AS A RESULT OF THE COVID-19 EPIDEMIC.

written and oral