This robust form of carbon (C60) remains intact when cooled into a crystal.  Discovered by Kroto and Smalley.  P. W. Stephens and L. Mihaly did important early research on solid phases.  Zeilinger et al. did quantum interference experiments.	This nice molecule (Mo8C12) only exists in gas phase. It reacts to make other compounds in condensed phases.  Disovered in molecular beams by Castleman et al., drawn by J. Muckerman
course schedule midterm exam Friday Oct. 26 answers to midterm (2004 final exam) final exam answers to final exam Final exam Friday Dec. 21, 11am-1:30pm Note: lecture notes are no longer on the schedule page.  Please go to "Blackboard" where they are archived. Solutions to HW problems are still here. Look on the course schedule page.	Notes (pdf format) numbers to memorize equations to memorize shell model and long-range forces phonon notes linear response theory creation operators 2nd quantized notations mean field & Hartree Fock theory 2x2 matrix algebra (BCS)
assignment schedule Homework #1 due Wed. Sept. 12 Homework #2 due  Fri. Sept. 21 Homework #3 due Wed. Oct. 3 Homework #4 due Mon. Oct. 15 Homework #5 due Wed. Oct. 24  Homework #6 due Mon. Nov. 12  Homework #7 due Fri. Dec. 7 Homework #8 due	Tat-Sang Choy's Fermi surface data base; periodic table of the Fermi surfaces.
The text is J. M. Ziman, Principles of the Theory of Solids, 2nd Ed. (Cambridge 1964; paperback edition 1979).  For other recommended books, see the book list.	character tables of point group representations pedagogical examples of using character tables
Nanowires, nanorods, and nanotubes are a wonderful area lying nicely between solid state and molecular physics.  Chemical reactions catalyzed on the surface of nanoparticles like these are a hot area of research.	This Penrose tile is a 2-D example of a quasicrystal.  There is perfect long-range order and no periodicity in the normal sense.

Bulletin Description: This course concentrates on the basic notions of solid state physics, treated mostly within the single-particle approximation. Main topics include: crystal lattices and symmetries, reciprocal lattice and state counting, phonons, electron energy band theory, bonding and cohesion (semi-quantitatively), electron dynamics and electron transport in metals and semiconductors, screening, optical properties of solids, and an introduction to magnetism. Additional topics not mentioned in the bulletin description: superconductivity, a little nanophysics, and a tiny bit of surface physics.
 
 

Prerequisite:  It is assumed that students are familiar with quantum mechanics at the level of one semester of graduate quantum mechanics, or passage of the qualifying exam part I in physics, or a graduate level course in physical chemistry.  Similar knowledge of statistical mechanics and electromagnetism is expected.  A prior course in solid state physics is NOT a prerequisite, but students who have never studied this subject before should please buy a copy of Kittel's book "Introduction to Solid State Physics" and read the chapters in this book while PHY 555 covers the corresponding material at a more advanced level.

Syllabus for Fall 2004

I. Aims of the course: To give an introduction to the modern study of solids, both theoretical and experimental.

II. Procedures and Requirements: Attendance at lecture is required except when excused for cause.  There will be homework problems assigned (7-10 problem sets over the semester.)

III. Grading: Homeworks will be graded and returned.  A=good, B=passing; C=unsatisfactory.  The final grade will be 40% homework and attendance, 20% midterm, and 40% final exam.  If the final exam grade is a significant improvement over the midterm exam grade, a corresponding upward adjustment will be made in the midterm exam grade.

IV Required text: J. M. Ziman, Principles of the Theory of Solids, 2nd Ed. (Cambridge, 1964)

V. Academic Honesty:  Discussions with faculty and fellow students are strongly encouraged, but work which is submitted for grading must be in your own words.  You should review the definition of plagiarism.

VI.Americans with Disabilities Act: If you have a physical, psychological, medical or learning disability that may impact your course work, please contact Disability Support Services, ECC (Educational Communications Center) Building, room 128, (631) 632-6748.  They will determine with you what accommodations are necessary and appropriate. All information and documentation is confidential.  Students requiring emergency evacuation are encouraged to discuss their needs with their professors and Disability Support Services. For procedures and information, go to the following web site.
<http://www.sunysb.edu/facilities/ehs/fire/disabilities.shtml>
 
VII. critical incidents

last revised 10/29/07 P. B. Allen