SrTiO3: The Hydrogen Atom of Solid State Physics

This special topics course will cover a number of modern areas in condensed matter physics, materials science, nanoscience and engineering, viewed through the prism of a single material system, SrTiO3.  In this sense it will be both exceptionally broad and deep.  Each topic will describe a fundamental set of concepts, using examples that will include SrTiO3 but also other material systems or toy models as well.  Students may work through exercises that help to create a comprehensive mosaic of information and concepts related to research in the field of complex oxides and oxide interfaces.

2014 List of Speakers



A preliminary list of topics to be covered (in no particular order), subject to change depending on interest, includes (on the right panel):

Other topics will be covered depending on student/participant interest.

Students are required to register, but others may participate (however please signal your intent in advance for planning purposes).  If you have any questions about the course, please contact Prof. Levy (jlevy@pitt.edu, Tel: 624-2736).




Topics
  • Crystal Structure
  • Structural phases and phase transitions
  • Electronic band structure and DFT
  • Defects
  • Fermi Surface
  • Phonons
  • Magnetism
  • X-Ray Diffraction
  • Superconductivity
  • Spin-Orbit Coupling
  • Optical Properties
  • Nonlinear optics, electro-optics, magneto-optics
  • Quantum Transport
  • Ferroelectricity, magnetism, multiferroics
  • Superconductivity
  • Oxide thin film growth: PLD, MBE,...
  • Characterization: STEM, RHEED, XPS, XMCD, ARPES
  • Symmetries and group theoretical methods
  • Topological order
  • Heterostructures (semiconductor and oxide)
  • Modern magnetic materials and their properties
  • Spin-dependent transport