Aim
The course studies the physics of the solid state, in particular the electrical properties of solids, in its first part. It is based on the quantum mechanics as covered in e.g. the course Quantum Phenomena and Nanotechnology. In the second part it discusses electronic devices such as the pn-junction and also briefly transistors. In this way the course directly connects to the applications as treated in the following course on Electronics. The course also briefly considers optical and dielectric properties of matter..

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to account for and explain, using simple models, the properties of solid materials, in particular those of relevance to electronic applications

• be able to account for the operation of simple electronic devices

Skills and abilities
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to understand the assumptions on which the models used in the course are based, their applicability and limitations.

• be able to carry out and evaluate experiments as well as to write laboratory reports

Contents
Particle and wave properties of the electron, binding in crystals. Electronic structure: free-electron model and bandstructure. Electrical conductivity; metals, semiconductors, and insulators. Semiconductor devices: pn-junction and introduction to bipolar and field-effect transistors. Brief review of optical and dielectric properties of matter.

Literature
Printed lecture notes by Günter Grossmann. Additional hand-out material and laboratory instructions.