Materials physics

Materials physics is a pivotal branch of modern physics, concerned with understanding the physical properties of various materials, in terms of their structural composition and behavior under the influence of external factors such as temperature, pressure, and electric and magnetic fields. This study provides a scientific basis for developing new materials that meet the requirements of advanced technological applications. Materials physics studies a wide range of materials, which can be classified as: semiconductors, which are of great importance in the microelectronics industry; metallic materials, which are characterized by their high thermal and electrical conductivity; insulators, which prevent the flow of electrical current and are used in insulating applications; nanomaterials, which exhibit unique physical properties at the nanometer level; and smart materials, which respond to environmental stimuli such as light, heat, or mechanical stress.

The materials we aim to study during this doctoral thesis have many distinct properties, making them ideal candidates for use as basic materials in a variety of electronic, optical, and magnetic devices. Therefore, the main objective of this doctoral thesis is to:

1. Predict the fundamental physical properties of these materials and verify their suitability for use in relevant technological fields, such as the development of various technologies, including semiconductors and integrated circuits, batteries and energy storage systems, superconducting materials, corrosion- and heat-resistant coatings, and biomaterials used in medical applications.

2. Evaluate the effects of harsh external factors, such as pressure and temperature, on fundamental physical properties.

The study of materials physics relies on two main approaches:

• Experimental approach: This includes techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), and spectroscopy.

• Theoretical and computational approach: This includes statistical physics, quantum chemistry, and numerical simulations using density function theory (DFT), Monte Carlo models, and others.