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Electronic properties of materials

545-3 Electronic properties of materials Materials and Chemistry S6
Lessons : 14 h TD : 7 h TP : 0 h Project : 0 h Total : 21 h
Co-ordinator : Julien Varignon
Prerequisite
Basic crystallography (lattice periodicity)
Basics of quantum mechanics (Schrödinger equation, eigenstates)
Statistical physics (Fermi-Dirac, chemical potential)
Course Objectives
The aim of this course is to explain the properties of materials observed on a macroscopic scale, based on a qualitative description of the physics on a microscopic scale. In particular, we will focus on conductive materials whose properties are derived from electrons. We will introduce the basic concepts and tools for describing the electronic structure of different categories of materials (metals, insulators, semiconductors), then apply these concepts to concrete cases used in electronics, such as doped semiconductors or the PN junction.
Syllabus
Introduction: Born-Oppenheimer approximation and general equation.
The free-electron model for metals, boundary conditions, notion of reciprocal space, dispersion relation.
Band theory: quasi-free electron approximation, Bloch's theorem, band structure, strong bond model, hybrid orbitals for semiconductors.
Intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors: notion of holes, effective masses, mobility, electric current, level of impurities.
The PN junction: band alignment, space charge zone, influence of an electric potential.
Practical work (TD or TP)
Free electron model: filling in electronic states.
Strong bond method applied to a monoatomic and diatomic linear chain: construction of the band structure and Peierls metal-insulator transition.
Construction of the conductivity vs. temperature curve for intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors.
PN junctions: the potential barrier, influence of applied electrical potential, current-voltage characteristic.
Acquired skills
Basic tools for describing the macroscopic properties of conducting materials from a microscopic viewpoint.

This module targets level 1/3 (initiation) of skills for all of blocks 3 (synthesize), 4 (model and characterize) and 5 (test and validate innovative solutions).
Bibliography
C. Kittel, Physique de l’état solide, 8ème édition, Dunod.
A. Crépieux, Introduction à la physique de la matière condensée, Dunod.

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