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327-2207-00L 5 Credits MSC D-MATL
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Solid State Physics and Chemistry of Materials II

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Nicola Spaldin
Prerequisite: Solid State Physics and Chemistry of Materials I (327-1202-00L).
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:40:24

Abstract

Continuation of Solid State Physics and Chemistry of Materials I

Objective

Electronic properties and band theory description of conventional solids Electron-lattice coupling and its consequences in functional materials Electron-spin/orbit coupling and its consequences in functional materials Structure/property relationships in strongly-correlated materials

Content

In this course we study how the properties of solids are determined from the chemistry and arrangement of the constituent atoms, with a focus on materials that are not well described by conventional band theories because their behavior is governed by strong quantum-mechanical interactions. We begin with a review of the successes of band theory in describing many properties of metals, semiconductors and insulators, and we practise building up band structures from atoms and describing the resulting properties. Then we explore classes of systems in which the coupling between the electrons and the lattice is so strong that it drives structural distortions such as Peierls instabilities, Jahn-Teller distortions, and ferroelectric transitions. Next, we move on to strong couplings between electronic charge and spin- and/or orbital- angular momentum, yielding materials with novel magnetic properties. We end with examples of the complete breakdown of single-particle band theory in so-called strongly correlated materials, which comprise for example heavy-fermion materials, frustrated magnets, materials with unusual metal-insulator transitions and the high-temperature superconductors.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
end-of-semester examination
There will be an optional interim exam after the first half of the semester which counts 30% to the overall grade if it improves the grade. Students can recover up to half of the missed points in their interim exam by submitting an exam review correction.Additionally, a bonus of up to 0.25 points can be gained by completing the weekly pre-class preparation learning tasks via the moodle platform. A task must be completed before the corresponding class session in order to receive credit.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Solid State Physics and Chemistry of Materials II
  • Tue 11:45-13:30 (HCI D 2)
  • Wed 14:45-16:30 (HIT H 42)
4 h weekly

Offered In