Course content

Waves:

Wave function, complex notation, plane waves, spherical waves, interference and diffraction, Doppler-effect, wave equation, mechanical waves, sound waves, light, dispersion, wave velocity and group velocity, wave packets, Fourier methods, band widths.

Quantum mechanics:

Experimental foundation, waves and particles, the Schrödinger equation, particle in a box, harmonic oscillator, atomic physics, atomic spectra, one-electron atom, orbitals, many-electron atoms, the periodic table of the elements.

Material science:

Molecules and solid state, electron-model of metals, band model, insulator, semiconductor and metals, semiconductors, dielectric materials, optical, magnetic and superconducting materials.

Learning outcome

The student shall have fundamental understanding about waves, quantum mechanics, atoms, molecules and solid state. Concerning waves, the knowledge should include complex notation, plane waves, spherical waves, interference, diffraction, Doppler effect, wave equations, mechanical waves, sound waves, light, dispersion, phase velocity, group velocity, wave packets, Fourier methods and band width. Within quantum mechanics, the student should know the experimental foundations, waves and particles, Schrodinger equation, particle in box, harmonic oscillator. About atoms and molecules, the students should know one-electron atoms, orbitals, many-electron atoms, and the period system of the elements. The student shall know the electron model of metals, insulators, semiconductors, conductors, dielectrics, magnetism and superconductivity in solid state.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and compulsory exercises. 2/3 of the exercises must be approved to take the exam. The expected workload in the course is 225 hours.

Compulsory assignments

• Calculation exercises

Recommended previous knowledge

The courses TFY4115 (or TFY4104, TFY4125) Physics, TMA4100 Calculus 1, TMA4105 Calculus 2 and TMA4115 Calculus 3, or similar courses.

Course materials

Relevant books: Young and Freedman: University Physics, or M. Mansfield and C. O'Sullivan. Understanding Physics.

Credit reductions