MODERN CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS

This module belongs to the educational activities of the Quantum Science and Technology curriculum of the Master's Degree in Engineering Physics and allows the student to acquire knowledge and understanding of the fundamental and applicative concepts of condensed matter physics.

The course is connected to the ongoing research in the Department, and aims to understand the fundamental aspects of condensed matter physics. We will study the interaction models between different subsystems, and the light-matter interaction in solids. Finally, Dirac materials and topological systems will be studied. In particular, we will study the structural and electronic phase diagrams that can stabilize on the surface of materials, fundamental aspects of magnetism and the physics of strongly correlated electron systems. The course will include some modern experimental techniques commonly used for the characterization and analysis of materials. Particular attention will be given to developing critical thinking and reading scientific literature, presenting relevant work in class and performing simple calculations.

At the end of the course, the student will be able to describe and calculate the most important models of the physics of matter, and the modern experimental techniques for investigating solid materials.

Knowledge and Understanding:

- Know and understand the laws of modern physics and their importance in technological development
- Understand the scientific method and its relevance in the study of natural phenomena and in critical thinking
- Understand the importance of scientific culture in the innovation processes of modern technologies

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding:
- Use the mathematics needed to describe natural phenomena
- Being able to identify the best technique for the experimental investigation of materials.

Making judgments:
- Knowing how to evaluate the logical consistency of the results to which the application of the acquired knowledge leads, both in the theoretical field and in the case of experimental data.
- Knowing how to recognize any errors through a critical analysis of the applied method

Communication skills:
- Knowing how to communicate the knowledge learned and the result of their application using appropriate terminology, both oral and written
- Knowing how to interact with the teacher and classmates in a respectful and constructive way, especially during group work

Learning ability:
- Knowing how to take notes, selecting and collecting information according to their importance and priority
- Knowing how to be sufficiently autonomous in the collection of data and information relevant to the problem being investigated


The main objective of this course is for students to gain an introduction to some of the modern research developments of recent years in the field of condensed matter physics.

At the end of the course it will be foreseen:

- A general understanding of the topics covered in the module
- Knowledge of current research topics in solid state physics
- The ability to solve problems using a variety of techniques
- The ability to carry out a bibliographic search
- The development of basic skills in numerical modeling of physics problems

Physics 1, Physics 2, Quantum mechanics

Topics covered include:

Electronic states
Fermi liquid theory
Magnetism
Topology
Experimental probes

Specifically, the role of models and approximations in physics, Einstein/Debye, Drude's theory, free electrons (Sommerfeld) will be treated. Symmetries and order parameters: ferromagnetism and ferroelectricity. Multiferroics. Dynamics of magnetization: LLG equation. Light-matter interaction (fundamentals). Electron-lattice interactions: superconductivity.

David Snoke, Solid State Physics - Essential Concepts, Cambridge university press (2020)
Steven H. Simon, Solid State Basics (Oxford University Press, 2013)

The achievement of the teaching objectives is assessed through participation in the activities and exercises assigned during the course and a final written exam.

The final written exam consists of problems similar to those developed in class during group work. The use of notes, books and other teaching materials is not permitted during the assignment. A facsimile of the assignment will be made available.

Students attending lessons can accumulate further points by participating in the quizzes and exercises offered in class. The bonus will be added to the grade of the written assignment.

Lectures in presence, home and face-to-face exercises, literature analysis, simple numerical simulations

English

Examination methods

Multiple choice quizzes (during seminars), final written exam with the possibility of oral

written and oral