Requesting Resources and Animations to understand Solid State Physics

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the need for visual resources and animations to better understand Solid State Physics, particularly Bravais lattices and their formation. Participants emphasize the importance of visual aids in grasping complex concepts within the subject. Specific requests for links to simulations and educational materials are made, highlighting the difficulty in finding resources tailored to solid state physics. The conversation also touches on foundational topics like the particle in a box model as a precursor to understanding electronic band structures. Overall, the thread underscores the necessity of clear, visual learning tools for mastering Solid State Physics concepts.
Slimy0233
Messages
167
Reaction score
48
TL;DR Summary: I need animations to understand physics better. Any links and animations would be very appreciated.

I have started learning Solid state physics and I am struggling somewhat to understand and imagine certain things. I feel like this is one area of physics which needs extensive visual input to understand better. I would request you to guide me on what resources you used while understanding Solid State Physics and if possible link me the simulations and resources in the comments.

PS: [Phet Colorado](https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/filter?type=html,prototype) has good simulations on other subjects if anyone is interested, but I wasn't able to find anything with solid physics.

Thank you for your help!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Solid-state physics is an enormous and complicated subject. You need to start with the fundamentals. It's best if you ask specific questions on topics that trouble you.
On the fundamentals, understanding a particle in a box is the first step towards understanding electronic band structure.
 
Hello Dr., I was actually looking for resources which could help me with understanding Bravais lattices and how they are formed, why there are only 5 of them, etc.
I would be happy if you could share any resources or animations you know of regarding those topics. And as for understanding a particle in a box, I shall do that as soon as I get rid of my bravais lattice doubts. My professor did a bad job of helping me understand Bravais lattices and the number of em. So yeah, that's what I have been doing for the last two days.
Anyways, thank you for your reply!
 
Five? That's in two dimensions.

Bravais lattices are mathematical constructions with applications in solid-state physics. They are an early step in understanding electron and phonon band structures.
 
  • Like
Likes DeBangis21 and Slimy0233
then I would have to put more effort into learning them. Thank you for that reply
 
I’ve been looking through the curricula of several European theoretical/mathematical physics MSc programs (ETH, Oxford, Cambridge, LMU, ENS Paris, etc), and I’m struck by how little emphasis they place on advanced fundamental courses. Nearly everything seems to be research-adjacent: string theory, quantum field theory, quantum optics, cosmology, soft matter physics, black hole radiation, etc. What I don’t see are the kinds of “second-pass fundamentals” I was hoping for, things like...
I graduated with a BSc in Physics in 2020. Since there were limited opportunities in my country (mostly teaching), I decided to improve my programming skills and began working in IT, first as a software engineer and later as a quality assurance engineer, where I’ve now spent about 3 years. While this career path has provided financial stability, I’ve realized that my excitement and passion aren’t really there, unlike what I felt when studying or doing research in physics. Working in IT...
Back
Top