Physics III
3 points * 26 lectures, 10 problem classes * Clayton * Prerequisites: PHS1820 * Corequisites: ECS2310
This subject provides an introduction to quantum physics, statistical physics and solid state physics as a foundation for various aspects of electronic devices. The necessity of a quantum description at the atomic scale, wave particle duality. Uncertainty principle. Schrodinger equation and its application to potential barriers and potential wells, tunneling. Simple harmonic oscillator, the hydrogen atom. Electron energy bands in solids. The exclusion principle, occupation of energy levels. Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution, gases. Lasers. The Fermi-Dirac distribution. Energy bands and conductivity of metals, insulators and semiconductors. Mobility, causes of resistivity in metals. Semiconductors, holes, dependence of conductivity on temperature, thermistors. Extrinsic semiconductors, diffusion, recombination photoconductivity. The pn junction diode. Thermal radiation, thermal noise.
Prescribed text
Serway R A and others Modern physics Saunders, 1989