OVERVIEW

"Elementi e Applicazioni di Fisica Moderna" (EAFM, code 90693) is a 7 credits worth class held during the second semester of the First year of the "Laurea Magistrale". Lectures are held in Italian. Study material for subscribing students can be found on the AulaWeb website.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course provides a basic knowledge on several topics concerning modern physics, with a particular emphasis on quantum mechanics and some topics of special relativity. The aim is stimulating interest and comprehension of several physical phenomena related to these topics and to highlight important applications, especially in the field of the structure of matter.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The student should acquire a knowledge of the fundamental quantum and relativistic phenomena and their role in shaping the principal physical and chemical phenomena (e.g. the electronic structer of atoms) as well as how general purpose devices (such as lasers), innovative technologies (such as the GPS) and even advanced instrumentation (such as electron microscopes) work.

Teaching methods

Traditional: oral lectures and examples worked out by teachers.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

1. Introduction to Special Relativity
   
   Recapitulations about classical relativity, the electromagnetic waves equation
   The Michelson-Morley experiment
   Einstein postulates
   Lorentz transformations
   Relativistic dynamics
   Applications
    
2. Quantum mechanics
   
   2.1 Wave-matter dualism for electromagnetic radiation
   Recapitulations about the interference of electromagnetic waves
   The photoelectric effect, the concept of photon
   Blackbody radiation
   Principle of complementarity, probabilistic interpretation
   Uncertainty relationship for photons

   2.2 Wave-matter dualism for matter 
   Atomic phenomena: emission spectra and the Bohr model
   The De Broglie hypothesis
   Interference effects among particles
   The Heisenberg uncertainty principle and wave packets
   
   2.3 The Schroedinger equation
   Stationary and time-dependent equation
   Probabilistic interpretation of the wave function
   Particle in a box
   Tunnel effect
   Application: scanning tunnel microscope and atomic force microscope
   
   2.4 Atomic models and particle statistics
   Hydrogen atom, spin, statistics
   The Pauli exclusion principle
   Many-electron atoms
   Fermi and Bose statistics
   Application: quantum dot
   Appliction: Laser

   2.5 Crystals and latice structures
   Diffraction from crystals
   Basic concepts about band theory
   Metals and insulators
   Basic concepts on semiconcuctor-based devices

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

K. S. Krane "Modern Physics, 3rd edition" (Wiley)
V. A. Ugarov "Special Relativity" (MIR)

Exam Board

MAURA SASSETTI (President)

DARIO FERRARO

FABIO CAVALIERE (President Substitute)

GIOVANNI RIDOLFI (Substitute)

Teaching methods

Traditional: oral lectures and examples worked out by teachers.

LESSONS START

The class will start according to the lecturing calendar approved by the "Consiglio di Corso di Studi".

Exam description

Oral examination

Assessment methods

The oral examination will allow to assess the knowledge of the fundamental quantum and relativistic phenomena and the ability to identify their role in the explanation of natural phenomena and of the working principles of devices and technologies as discussed in the course.