44250 - Structure of Matter I (6 Credits)

Academic Year 2008/2009

  • Docente: Anna Cavallini
  • Credits: 6
  • SSD: FIS/03
  • Language: Italian
  • Teaching Mode: In-person learning (entirely or partially)
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Physics (cod. 0096)

Learning outcomes

The students will acquire a basic preparation on phenomenology and theory of the condensed matter.
Starting from the knowledge level already acquired in 2nd year courses, the students will be provided with experiments, models and theories which from classical physics have allowed today's formulation of quantum physics.

Course contents

Solutions of the Schrödinger equation independent of time in one-dimensional systems. Autovalues and autofunctions of the Schrödinger equation for the hydrogen-like atom. Expectation values and simmetry properties. Electric dipole selection rules. Magnetic dipole moment. Spin and spin magnetic dipole moment. Total angular moment and total magnetic moment.  The Stern–Gerlach experiment. Hydrogen-like fine structure. Zeeman effect and anomalous Zeeman effect. Selection rules of the radiative transitions. States of multielectron atoms. Pauli exclusion principle. Hartree-Fock algorithm. Exchange Forces. Specific heat of a solid. LASER, LCAO method. Molecular orbitals. Band theory. Crystalline structure. Molecules and molecular spectra.

Readings/Bibliography

B.H.Bransden & C.J. Joachain, Physics of Atoms and Molecules
Eisberg-Resnick, Quantum Physics of Atoms, Molecules, Solids, Nuclei and Particles, Ed. Wiley
M.Born, Fisica atomica , Ed. Boringhieri

Teaching methods

The topics will be presented in such a way to stimulate the students to intervene in the discussion and to be able to  connect by him-her-slef the topics (similarities, contraddictions and differences).

Assessment methods

written and oral examination

Teaching tools

Videoprojector, PC, overhead projector

Office hours

See the website of Anna Cavallini