Physics of electromagnetic waves: energy flow, propagation through interfaces, dielectrics, conductors and plasmas. Application of the principles of quantum, thermal, electromagnetic and optical physics to solidstate systems.
This paper covers two major topics in physics, electromagnetism and condensed-matter physics. The electromagnetism section introduces techniques for solving Laplace's equation for the electrostatic potential and investigates the behaviour of electromagnetic waves. Condensed matter is the largest field in physics and leads to the development of all our semiconductor technology. In this section we study the application of quantum and statistical mechanics to the properties of metals, insulators, semiconductors and superconductors.
| Paper title | Electromagnetism and Condensed Matter |
|---|---|
| Paper code | PHSI332 |
| Subject | Physics |
| EFTS | 0.1500 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Second Semester |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $1,080.30 |
| International Tuition Fees (NZD) | $4,858.95 |
- Prerequisite
- MATH 170 and PHSI 232
- Schedule C
- Science
- Contact
- philip.brydon@otago.ac.nz
- More information link
- View more information about PHSI 332
- Teaching staff
- Course co-ordinator: Dr Philip Brydon
- Textbooks
The Oxford Solid State Basics, Steven H. Simon
Introduction to Electrodynamics, David J. Griffiths
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship,
Communication, Critical thinking, Information literacy, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
- After completing this paper students will be able to
- Understand and apply techniques for solving Poisson's equation in electrostatics
- Derive electromagnetic wave equations in dielectrics and conductors
- Understand the propagation of electromagnetic waves through a variety of media and across boundaries between media
- Describe a crystalline solid in terms of the direct and reciprocal lattices
- Understand optical, vibrational and electronic wave propagation in crystalline solids
- Apply quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics to understand the properties of metals, insulators and semiconductors
