MSE 3015: Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Properties of Materials
Objective: To introduce the fundamental concepts necessary to understand electronic, dielectric, magnetic, and optical properties of various classes of materials (metals, semiconductors, ceramics, and polymers). To understand the behavior of solid-state electronic devices – the basis of modern microelectronics, nanotechnologies and many other phenomena, such as superconductivity.
Outline:
• Classical Physics: Electrical Conductivity of Metals
• Classical Physics: Thermal Conductivity of Solids
• Classical Physics: Motion of Electron in a Magnet Field / Hall Effect
• Quantum Mechanics: Quantum Effects and Wave-Particle Duality
• Quantum Mechanics: Schrödinger Equations and their Applications
• Classical and Quantum description of a Hydrogen Atom
• Quantum Mechanics: Absorption and Emission of Radiation and Optical Devices
• Classical and Quantum Description: Bonding in Molecules and Solids
• Quantum Mechanics: Band Theory, Electron Transport and Emission in Solids
• Semiconductor Devices
• Magnetic Properties of Atoms and Solids
• Superconductivity
• Classical and Quantum Description: Dielectric Properties of Insulators
• Classical and Quantum Description: Optical Properties of Materials
MSE 8803-N: Quantum Mechnics for Materials Science and Engineering
The density and properties of electron and phonon states determines many of the electronic, optical and thermal properties of materials. This course provides the fundamental, quantum-mechanical underpinnings necessary to describe these states within atoms, molecules and solids. Students that complete this course will learn the fundamental underpinnings necessary to link material composition and structure with the density of states which determines the electronic, optical and thermal properties, and characterization, of almost any material class (e.g. organic molecules, semiconductors, metals, insulators). For example, Raman characterization requires understanding of allowed vibrational modes of atoms and molecules; photoluminescence requires understanding of allowed energy states and selection rules; thermal conductivity requires understanding of the phonon density of states; electron transport in solids requires understanding of band structure. A working knowledge of quantum mechanics is, therefore, necessary for a materials scientist or engineer to truly understand these properties and characterization techniques. While examples of applying this understanding to properties and characterization of specific materials will be provided as context, it should be emphasized that this class is not a properties class and will not provide broad coverage of electronic, optical and thermal properties themselves. Mathematical calculations will be required in this class; however, this course will attempt to minimize the complexity of the math to permit materials scientists and engineers to gain the necessary conceptual understanding.