Harmonized Modular Curriculum for BSc Program in Physics Intr.

to Solid State Physics and Electronics

Module: Introduction to Solid State Physics and Electronics

Module Title : Introduction to Solid State Physics and

Electronics
Module Status : Compulsory
Module Code: Phys-M2061
Total EtCTS of Module : 10

Clustered Courses in the Module

Course Title Course Code Credit Course
hours EtCTS
Solid State Physics I Phys2061 3 5
Electronics I Phys2062 3 5
Total 6 10

Rational of the Module

We are witnessing an explosion of new and directly applied knowledge in the area of condensed matter
physics. Our Physics Department has to remain nationally competitive with others in this field, by expanding
the condensed matter physics curriculum. Special effort is planned for two major areas: (a) Solid State and (b)
Electronics. This module will provide students in physics the basic principles of solid state physics and
electronics.
• To modernize our electronics course to modern standards as done in most top Physics Departments in
the world.

• To expand by including modern photonic devices (LEDs, solar cells, laser diodes and photo-detectors)

• To familiarize our students with modern materials and approaches and with recent discoveries (e.g.
quantum Hall effect, high efficiency solar cells, quantum well photodetectors)

• To better prepare our Physics students for the job market and graduate school in the energy, communi-
cations and power sectors

• To offer detailed treatment (at the undergrad level) of modern photonic and power devices

• To include and treat quantum phenomena (e.g. tunneling) as a natural part of modern devices: solar
cells, lasers, photo-detectors and power devices

Electronics is one of the most amazing intellectual developments of humanity. The institution of radio
engineers (IRE) has given a standard definition of electronics in the proceedings of IRE, VOl.38, (1950) as ’that
field of science and engineering, which deals with electron devices and their utilization’. Electronics is widely
applied in communications and entertainment (telegraphy, telephony, radio and TV broadcasting, satellite
communication, stereo amplifiers, record players), defence, industry, medical sciences, and instrumentation.
Electronic devices in analog or linear circuits are used extensively for amplification and signal processing.
Digital or logic circuits form the basis of microprocessors or computers.
With out electronics, modern computing machines wouldn’t exist; we wouldn’t be able to perform arithmetic
and logic computations and store large amount of data. Modern electronics gave birth to transistors.
Transistor (a valve that controls the flow of electricity and one that amplifies weak electrical signals) is the
basic building block of computers. Moore’s law of computing is based on the miniaturization of transistors.
The increase in the speed and power of computation depends on the miniaturization of transistors in to
smaller sized chips. Modern electronics gave birth to lasers. Lasers are made possible by the presence of
energy levels in semiconductors. Lasers gave birth to the internet and information high way. Digital
electronics gave birth to the language of modern computing (0 and 1).

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Harmonized Modular Curriculum for BSc Program in Physics Intr. to Solid State Physics and Electronics

Modern technology and civilization is deeply rooted in the principles and applications of electronics. To
summarize, familiarity with electronics is essential to calling some one as promising physicist.
Objective of the Module
By the end of the module the student will be able to:

• Differentiate among conductors, insulators and semiconductors using energy band diagram.

• Describe the mechanism of flow of current in intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors.

• Describe the basic operation of a PN-junction diode.

• Explain why a diode conducts current in one direction only and offers very high resistance in the reverse
direction.

• Sketch the VI characteristics of a diode.

• Calculate the forward and reverse currents of a diode using diode equation.

• Explain the need of rectifiers in electronics.

• Describe the basic operation of a transistor and its action on the basis of current flow.

• Draw the input and output characteristics of a transistor in CB and CE configurations.

• Calculate transistor parameters from characteristics.

• Explain the construction of the operational amplifier

• Design ,analyse and synthesize operational amplifier circuits

• Recognize the basic characteristic of the binary number system

• Make use of Boolean algebra in the analysis and design of digital circuits.

• Appreciate the practical significance of the systems developed in the course.

• Analyze and design simple electronic circuits

• Build circuits and take measurements of circuit variables using tools such as oscilloscopes, multimeters,
and signal generators. Compare the measurements with the behavior predicted by mathematic models
and explain the discrepancies

• Employ simple lumped circuit models for resistors, sources, inductors, capacitors, and transistors in
circuits.

• Analyze circuits made up of linear lumped elements. Specifically, analyze circuits containing resistors
and independent sources using techniques such as the node method, superposition and the Thevenin
method.

• Employ Boolean algebra to describe the function of logic circuits.

• Design circuits which represent digital logic expressions. Specifically, design a gate-level digital circuit
to implement a given Boolean function.

• Perform a small-signal analysis of an amplifier using small signal models for the circuit elements.

• Calculate the frequency response of circuits containing resistors, capacitors and inductors.

• Construct simple gates, amplifiers, or filters in the laboratory.

• Predict how a given circuit will affect an audio signal in the laboratory given the frequency response of
the circuit.

Module Competency
Up on complesion of the module students

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Harmonized Modular Curriculum for BSc Program in Physics Intr. to Solid State Physics and Electronics

• Conduct research in magnetic, semiconducting and dielectric areas.

• Design simple electronic circuits.

• work in telecommunication, radio, television equipments, computer appliances.

Module Description
The module is devoted to the use of electronic devices in analog or linear circuits which are used extensively
for amplification and signal processing and digital or logic circuits which form the basis of microprocessors or
computers. It starts with the physics of semiconductors and concentrates on the description of active devices
of diodes and transistors. For each device there are examples of simple circuits which form the basis of more
advanced systems of amplification or signal processing.
The module starts with the physics of semiconductors and concentrates on the description of active devices of
diodes and transistors. The module explores the fundamental principles, concepts and operations that are
common to all digital systems from the simplest on/off switch to the most complex computer.
It also focuses on how digital systems work and extends to the application and analysis of digital systems. It
introduces some underlying concepts that are vital part of digital technology and these concepts are
expanded.

Clustered Courses Time Breakdown (hrs) for Delivery

Course Code Lecture Assesment Tutorial Practical Home Group Total
/Lab/Project study work
Phys2061 42 15 14 - 49 15 135
Phys20622 42 15 14 - 49 15 135

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Harmonized Modular Curriculum for BSc Program in Physics Intr. to Solid State Physics and Electronics

Solid State Physics I

Module Code: Phys-M2061; EtCTS of Course: 5 ; Course Status: Compulsory

Course Title : Solid State Physics I
Course Code: Phys2061; Credits Hours: 3
Mode of delivery: Full Semester; Weeks required: 16
Prerequisite(s): Co-requisite(s):
Academic Year: 20 / ; Year/Semester: II/ I
Students’ College/Faculty: ——-; Department: Physics
Program: Undergraduate Enrollment: ———-
Instructor’s Name (Coordi-
nator)
Address: Block No. ; Rm. No.
Class Hours:
Course Rationale
This module is intended to introduce students to the basic ideas that underlie solid state physics, with
emphasis on the behaviour of electrons in crystalline structures, particularly in materials that are metallic.
This will enable the students to learn the subject matter in order to explain and account for the physical,
thermal, electrical and optical properties of solids. Students will appreciate solid state physics as one branch
of physics which plays a fundamental role in the electronic industry.

Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this module students students will have demonstrated the ability to:
• examine the behavior of solid state systems and, through the application of physical laws, make quanti-
tative predictions of future behaviour based upon their properties,
• describe crystal structure of solids in terms of a space lattice + unit cell, and relate structures in real space
to those in reciprocal space,
• explain the concepts of the reciprocal lattice and the Brillouin zone,
• describe the various atomic bonds in crystals,
• discuss the electrical, thermal and optical properties in terms of the free electron model,
• apply knowledge of how crystalline structures vibrate and the associated theories of heat capacity,
• discuss the factors that control the electrical conductivity of metals,
• elaborate how the diffraction of X rays are related to the properties of the reciprocal lattice.
• be familiar with and understand the magnetic, and dielectric properties of solids for practical applica-
tions.

Course Description
This module describes phenomena associated with the solid state: Topics to be treated include the
classification of solids and crystal structure, X-ray diffraction, classification of crystals, binding energy, and an
introduction to their electronic, vibrational, thermal, optical, magnetic, dielectric properties and the quantum
mechanical description of electrons in crystals

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Harmonized Modular Curriculum for BSc Program in Physics Intr. to Solid State Physics and Electronics

Module/Course Outline: EtCTS (4.7)

Lecture Tutor Home T.Load
No Topic (hrs) (hrs) (hrs) (hrs)

1) Crystal Structure 6 2 8 16
2) X-Ray Diffraction 4 2 8 14
3) Binding Energy in Crystals 5 2 9 15
4) Thermal properties of solids 7 3 10 20
5) Dielectric properties of solids 9 3 11 23
6) Magnetic properties of solids 8 4 10 22
7) The free electron Fermi gas 6 2 8 16
Total 45 18 64 127

Method of Teaching
Lecture, problem solving, discussion (group works), home assignments, presentation and demonstration,
online learning resources.

Tentative Time Breakdown of Lecture Topics

Date Topics Pedagogical Teachers’ Students’

Approaches Tasks/Activities Tasks/Activities
Week 1 Crystal Structure Asking and Introduce mod- Answerung and
• Introduction- atomic models answering ule guide book asking questions
• Lattice points and space lattice questions Asking and Taking notes
• Fundamental types of lattices Discussion answering ques- Observe simulations
Lecture tions Home exercise with
Week 2 • Index system for crystal planes Demonstration Lecturing online simulation
• Classification of crystals Demonstrate on-
line simulation
Select free sites
for simulation
Give home work
Week 3 X-Ray Diffraction Discussion Asking and Answering and ask-
•Reciprocal lattices Lecture answering ques- ing questions
• Diffraction of waves by tions Taking notes
crystals: Bragg’s law Lecturing Prepare models BZ’s
Give home work Home exercising
Assignment I
Week 4 • Brillouin zones in one and two di- Discussion Asking and Answering and ask-
mensions Lecture answering ques- ing questions
Binding Energy in Crystals tions Taking notes
• Bonding in solids Lecturing
• Ionic bonding

Week 5 • Covalent bonding Forming groups Participate in group

• Metallic bond for discussion discussion
• Properties of metallic crystals Give home work Home exercising
• Calculation of cohesive energy
Test I

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Harmonized Modular Curriculum for BSc Program in Physics Intr. to Solid State Physics and Electronics

Date Topics Pedagogical Teachers’ Students’

Approaches Tasks/Activities Tasks/Activities
Week 6 Thermal properties of solids Discussion Asking and Answering and ask-
• Crystal vibration Lecture answering ques- ing questions
• Lattice Specific heat Problem solv- tions Taking notes
ing Lecturing Participate in group
Week 7 • Classical theory (Dulong Solve sample discussion
and Petit law) problems Home exercising
• Einstein’s theory of specific Forming groups
heat for discussion
• Debye’s theory Give home work
Thermal conductivity
Assignment II
Week 9 Dielectric properties of solid Discussion Asking and Answering and ask-
• Review of basic formulae Lecture answering ques- ing questions
• The microscopic concept of problem solv- tions Taking notes
polarization ing Lecturing Participate in group
Solve sample discussion
Week 10 • Langevin’s theory of po- problems Home exercising
larization in polar dielectrics Forming groups
• Clausius-mosotti relation for discussion
• The static dielectric constant Give home work
of solids and liquids (Elemental
dielectrics, Polarization of ionic
crystals)

Week11 • Ferroelectricity
• Piezoelectricity
Test II
Week 12 Magnetic properties of solids Discussion Asking and Answering and ask-
• Magnetic permeability Lecture answering ques- ing questions
• Magnetization problem solv- tions Taking notes
• Diamagnetism ing Lecturing Participate in group
Solve sample discussion
Week 13 • Paramagnetism problems Home exercising
• Ferromagnetism Forming groups
• Quantum theory of paramag- for discussion
netism and ferromagnetism Give home work
• The domain model
Assignment III
Week 14 The free electron Fermi gas Discussion Asking and Answering and ask-
• Energy levels in one dimen- Lecture answering ques- ing questions
sion problem solv- tions Taking notes
• Effect of temperature on the ing Lecturing Participate in group
Fermi-dirac distribution Solve sample discussion
problems Home exercising
Week 15 • Free electron gas in three Forming groups
dimensions for discussion
• Heat capacity of the electron Give home work
gas
Week 16 Final examination

Students should read the relevant sections in the textbook and/or reference materials and do the assignments
on time. Practice with solved problems and come to office hours to get concepts clarified. Review and extra
problems will be given through worksheets. Students are also expected to have worked through the problems
in the worksheets before the tutorial sessions. Attendance at lectures and tutorials is expected for all students.
Attendance records will be taken at all times. It is the students chance to ask questions, solve problems and

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Harmonized Modular Curriculum for BSc Program in Physics Intr. to Solid State Physics and Electronics

work in team.

Assessment
No Type of Assessment Time Weight
1 Test I Week 5 5%
Test II Week 11 10%
2 Assignment I Week 3 5%
Assignment II Week 7 10%
Assignment III Week 13 10%
3 Class activity and home work All weeks 10%
4 Final exam Final week 50%
Total 100%

Recommended References
1. C. Kittel, Introduction to Solid State Physics, Wiley, 8th ed., (2004).
2. M. Ali Omar, Elementary Solid state Physics: Principles and Applications, Addison Wesley, (1993).
3. S. O. Pillai, Solid State Physics, New Age Int. 6th ed., (2008).
4. Ashcroft N.W. and Mermin N.D., Solid State Physics, Holt-Saunders, (1976).
5. Burns G., Solid State Physics, Academic Press, (1985).
6. Hook J.R. and Hall H.E., Solid State Physics 2nd ed.,, Wiley, (1991).
7. L. Mihly and M.C. Martin, Solid State Physics; Problems and Solutions, Wiley-VCH, (2009).

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