68606 Solid-state Science and Quantum Devices
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 68413 Quantum Physics
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.
Description
This subject introduces the quantum mechanics of electrons in solids, guiding students through the development of quantum and nanoscale devices with technological applications. Theoretical modelling aspects provide students with essential knowledge to progress as a physicist. A significant laboratory component offers hands-on experience with electronic and optical equipment, reinforcing their theoretical knowledge with practical skills.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Apply the fundamentals of solid state physics to understand the physical properties of condensed matter. |
|---|---|
| 2. | Solve problems in solid state physics. |
| 3. | Conduct measurements using standard equipment and analysis techniques in solid state physics. |
| 4. | Maintain a faithful record of experimental work and demonstrate effective communication skills in a laboratory context. |
| 5. | Explain and calculate the operating performance of traditional semiconductor and quantum devices. |
| 6. | Predict how the properties of materials can be controlled at the nanoscale. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of following course intended learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate coherent understanding of physics and related knowledge applied to diverse contexts. (1.1)
- Evaluate the reliability of scientific evidence and apply effective experimental design, analysis and critical thinking to predict the behaviour of real-world systems using physical models (2.1)
- Evaluate and design solutions to complex physical problems through creative problem-solving, using analytical, computational, and experimental approaches. (4.1)
- Apply effective and appropriate communication methods for discussing physics concepts, data and analysis with diverse audiences. (5.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
1. Disciplinary knowledge
A comprehensive knowledge of solid state physics and its application in scientific research and practical electronic devices is learnt through lectures, tutorials and data analysis work, where concepts are consolidated by critically analysing experimental results and solving problems. The depth of understanding of the subject material as well as data analysis and problem-solving skills are assessed via tests, and project reports.
2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking
The tutorials, data analysis and project are designed to stimulate enquiry, critical thinking and problem solving skills. Students are encouraged to modify experiments requiring the application of learnt concepts in solid state physics to new experimental situations. Students will develop the ability to undertake systematic data collection and methodical analysis to interpret results through comparison of their observations to anticipated outcomes. These abilities are assessed by laboratory and project reports.
Students will learn how to access information from a variety of sources including the Internet and the library to define and solve problems. These skills will also include the ability to collect, analyse and organise information and ideas as well as preparing professional scientific reports. Student will develop the ability to work and learn independent. These skills are assessed via report marking and feedback.
4. Reflection, innovation and creativity
Students will develop the ability to find solutions to problems, innovate and improve current in their projects, which will be assessed through the laboratory and project work.
5. Communication
Students will develop the ability to convey ideas clearly and fluently in written form as well as to present a physically based argument to justify interpretation of experimental results both assessed by the marking criteria.
6. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge and Connection with Country
This subject examines emerging and existing quantum technologies. You will learn about the potential impacts of technology in contexts relevant to Indigenous Australians. Additionally, via an assessment, you will gain skills in effective and ethical stakeholder engagement, guided by AIATSIS guidelines.
Teaching and learning strategies
This subject will be delivered with tutorials and practicals taught on campus. Lecture materials will be posted on Canvas. Learning methods during lectures, tutorials and practical sessions involve interactive discussions and individual problem-solving skills. Students are requested to study lecture materials and attempt tutorial questions before attending the on-campus classes. Interactive tutorial sessions, through problem-solving, will consolidate and deepen core concepts of the subject. An aim of this subject is to help you develop academic and professional language and communication skills to succeed at university and in the workplace.
Content (topics)
The subject focuses on central concepts in solid state science and explains the physical phenomena observed in semiconductors and modern devices based on quantum and statistical physics. Topics include: Solid state band theory, carriers in semiconductors, carrier transport, optical properties of semiconductors, n-p junction, transistors, defect states in wide band gap semiconductors, excitons, nanoscale characterisation of semiconductors, nanostructures, optoelectronic devices, spintronics, plasmonics, phase transitions, superconductivity, and superconducting quantum devices.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Practical Work
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 2, 3, 4 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Laboratory/practical |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 25% |
| Criteria: | Students will be provided with instructions on maintaining an effective experimental record and a marking scheme for the logbook. Criteria include: the quality of investigation, the depth and appropriateness of the analysis and the correct application of concepts and theories. |
Assessment task 2: Tests
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1 and 2 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 50% |
| Criteria: | Students will be assessed on the following criteria: (i) accuracy of information provided by students with respect to the content and concepts covered in lectures and tutorial classes, and (ii) correctness and clarity of responses, including the logical development of calculated responses. |
Assessment task 3: Scientific Report
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking 4. Reflection, Innovation, Creativity 5. Communication 6. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge and Connection with Country |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 2, 3, 4 and 6 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 4.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 25% |
| Criteria: | The assessment criteria include effective written communication of the problem-solving approach, demonstrating an understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of the techniques used, and applying appropriate data analysis steps to achieve the correct solution. In the report, students will discuss the potential impacts of technology relevant to Indigenous Australians, including a discussion of methods for effective and ethical stakeholder engagement, which they will extract from the AIATSIS guidelines. A report template and assessment rubric will be available on Canvas. |
Minimum requirements
A minimum overall mark of 50% is required to pass this subject.
Recommended texts
M Grundmann, The Physics of Semiconductors: An Introduction including Devices and Nanophysics, 2nd Edition, Springer, Heidelberg. This book is available online through the UTS library.
Other resources
- BG Yacobi, Semiconductor Materials: An Introduction to Basic Principles (2003), Kluwer Academic, New York. This book is available on-line through the UTS library.
- C Kittel, Introduction to Solid State Physics, 8th edition (2005), Wiley, Hoboken
- D Tong, Statistical Field Theory
www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/user/tong/sft.html
- D Arovas, Lecture Notes on Superconductivity
courses.physics.ucsd.edu/2014/Spring/physics239/LECTURES/SUPERCONDUCTIVITY.pdf
- C Timm, Theory of Superconductivity
tu-dresden.de/mn/physik/itp/cmt/ressourcen/dateien/skripte/Skript_Supra.pdf?lang=en
- R Feynman: The Schrödinger Equation in a Classical Context: A Seminar on Superconductivity
www.feynmanlectures.caltech.edu/III_21.html
- NK Langford, Circuit QED: Lecture Notes
arxiv.org/pdf/1310.1897v1.pdf
- SM Girvin: Circuit QED: Superconducting Qubits Coupled to Microwave Photons
capri-school.eu/lectureres/master_cqed_les_houches.pdf