Physics Students Can Explore Solid State Energy Bands and Wavefunctions 

Physics Academic Software Releases SOLID STATE PHYSICS

February 26,1993--SOLID STATE PHYSICS determines the energy states and
wavefunctions of one-dimensional finite square well lattices, solving for
lattices of any finite size. It allows users to observe the solutions for
individual atoms, small groups of atoms, and the limiting process
approaching an infinite lattice. Users can specify the potential well
height and lattice spacing and can model the more subtle effects due to
deviations from the ideal lattice, caused by thermal effects, impurity
atoms, and lattice vibrations.

Developed by Thomas P. Witelski, California Institute of Technology, SOLID
STATE PHYSICS displays the results of quantum-mechanical calculations in a
variety of ways. The energy band structure can be viewed in reduced zone
and repeated zone schemes, or in extended zone format, with the
wavefunction superimposed on the lattice potential, and the decomposition
of the wavefunction into its Bloch plane wave components. Additionally, a
screen illustrating the correspondence between Bloch's theorem and a
Linear Combination of Atomic Orbitals expansion can be called up for any
wavefunction state. You can also superimpose the band structures of two
separate lattices to compare difference in structure.

SOLID STATE PHYSICS uses the variational principle from quantum mechanics
to approximate Schrodinger's equation for a one-dimensional finite
lattice. Witelski discusses this computational method and how the program
can be used to determine its accuracy in the 46-page User's Manual, which
also includes a tutorial and a detailed Instructor's Guide. The software
includes a variety of data files showing solved lattice systems. These
default set-ups were selected to illustrate specific concepts and aspects
of the solutions.

Reviewer response to SOLID STATE PHYSICS has been favorable. "This software
is an example of how instructive and useful a well-designed teaching
offering can be," says Allen Nussbaum, University of Minnesota. "SOLID
STATE PHYSICS gives you a tool to explore and learn physics, not the art
of applied math," says Wlad T. Sobol, UAB Hospital. "I highly recommend
this tool to physics educators." And A. John Mallinckrodt, California
State Polytechnic University, says, "This program should be useful for
in-class demonstrations in introductory solid state physics."

SOLID STATE PHYSICS can be used for classroom demonstrations or by students
working independently. It is appropriate for courses in modern physics and
quantum chemistry and is a useful supplement to texts illustrating many
basic concepts in introductory solid state physics.

SOLID STATE PHYSICS is published and distributed by Physics Academic
Software, which is a project of the American Institute of Physics in
cooperation with the American Physical Society and the American
Association of Physics Teachers as part of a continuing series of
educational software from PAS.

SOLID STATE PHYSICS operates on IBM PC, XT, AT, and PS/2 personal computers
with at least 512K of RAM memory, DOS 3.3 or higher, and Hercules, CGA,
MCGA, EGA, or VGA color graphics.

SOLID STATE PHYSICS may be purchased from Physics Academic Software for
$59.95 plus $3.50 shipping and handling for the first package ($7.50
foreign) and $.75 for each additional package. Lab Packs, which include
ten copies of the software and one User's Manual, are available for
$179.95.

For a limited time, you can purchase the entire PAS collection, with or
without Lab Packs, and save up to 33% off the regular price. Physics
Academic Software offers a no-risk guarantee by providing a full refund
for packages returned within 30 days.

PAS also offers a Standing Order Plan, which brings the latest in
innovative physics courseware to your door, along with exceptional
savings. When you join the Standing Order Plan, you will automatically
receive each new PAS program, with or without Lab Packs, and save up to
33% off the list price.

Orders and requests for a free catalog of all Physics Academic Software
titles should be directed to The Academic Software Library, Campus Box
8202, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-8202. By
telephone, call (800) 955-TASL or (919) 515-7447; FAX (919) 515-2682.

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