These computer labs were based on the extensive
software development effort for the SSS project.
The Solid State Simulation (SSS) Project
The SSS package consists of this set of simulations and the accompanying
guidebook, Simulations for Solid State Physics:An Interactive
Resource for Students and Teachers .
Simulations
The simulations were developed at Cornell to provide novel instructional
material in senior and graduate level courses in Solid State Physics.
Our principal goals were to use the simulations to give a visual route
to the development of new concepts and to promote active participation
by students as they worked with the material. The simulations use
computing resources in two ways. One is to provide animation of
processes at the atomic level, e.g., electron motion in metals or atomic
motion during dislocation glide. The other is to perform and display the
results of numerical calculations, e.g., phonon dispersion relations or
space charge distributrion in semiconductor devices. The simulations use
a "push button" computer interface and are NOT designed to give exercise
in programming or algorithm development. The emphasis is on the
illustration of important concepts. A preset system is included
which leads the user to the interesting regions of the available
parameter space and gives a fun way to become acquainted with a program.
Work in depth with the programs is best carried out with the help of
the guidebook.
Guidebook
There is so much parameter space available in these programs, much of it
not terribly interesting, that guidance through the programs is
essential for them to be of use for students unfamiliar with the
concepts. Simulations for Solid State Physics:an Interactive
Resource for Students and Teachers leads students systematically
through the physics illustrated by the programs. Each chapter contains
a heavily interleaved mixture of concept development and student
exercises. Most exercises, usually involving the simulations, are an
intrinsic part of the story line.
Web-sites
A Web-page for the SSS Project may be accessed at
http:www.ruph.cornell.edu/sss/sss.html. The site serves as a
place to exchange suggestions for new ways to use the simulations, as
well as work-arounds for the problems that are bound to arise. Updates
and bug-fixes will be posted on the site. We may also be reached by
e-mail at sss@ruph.cornell.edu.
Information about ordering the SSS package from the publisher is
available at:
http://www.cup.org (Cambridge University Press-U.S.), or
http://www.cup.cam.ac.uk(Cambridge University Press-Rest of World).
Credits
The development of these simulations was supported by the Alfred P.
Sloan Foundation, thanks to the initiative, and with the strong
encouragement, of Frank Mayadas. Thanks go to Russ Thompson for the
adoption of tcl/tk as a graphical interface for the programs and for the
programming of a standard user interface to ease the development of
future programs. He performed much of the conversion to tcl-tk from an
earlier version as well as writing the newer programs. In connection
with this, we would also like to thank the Tcl/Tk Project for providing
an excellent windowing toolkit that is portable across Unix, Windows,
and Macintosh computers. Dan Vernon helped with much of the conversion
of programs to the newer interface. Barry Robinson ported the programs
to a number of platforms and has accomplished the impossible in getting
the programs for Unix, Windows, and Mac all to work from a single CD.
Jim Sethna's Ising program stimulated the initiation of the project and
he has contributed critical ideas and enthusiasm. Bruce Roberts was
always available to share his invaluable expertise to get us out of one
hole after another.
Use Policy
These simulations are part of the Solid State Simulation (SSS)
package, copyright by Cambridge University Press. Publication and
ordering information, is available from
http://www.cup.org (Cambridge University Press-U.S.), or
http://www.cup.cam.ac.uk(Cambridge University Press-Rest of World).
If you are not a licensed user of these programs, feel free to use them
for inspection and trial. If you plan to make any significant use of the
programs, you should buy the full package, Solid State Simulation:
An Interactive Resource for Students and Teachers, Cambridge
University Press, which includes a full CD-ROM with an accompanying
guide book. Because of the extensive parameter space available for
exploration, the guide book is essential for efficient use of the
programs. Using many exercises and examples coupled to the simulations
it is designed to illustrate important physical principles and to
develop new concepts.
The CD-ROM, packaged with the hardback copy of the book
(SBN--0-521-59094-9), includes a license to use the software on a local
area network. It also includes registration details so that you can be
informed of new versions or additional simulations. Softcover copies
(SBN-0-521-59911-3), without the CD-ROM, are available at minimal cost
for students to purchase and use in conjunction with the software
installed on a local area network.
All royalties from the sale of the SSS materials will be used to
maintain the Web site at
http://www.ruph.cornell.edu/sss/sss.html, to provide bug fixes
as best we can, and to upgrade the programs for as long as the user
community shows sufficient interest.
Bob Silsbee and
Joerg Draeger
sss@ruph.cornell.edu
Click on the home button at the top of the page to return to
the main help menu. This works from any page in the help system!
Statistical Mechanics: Entropy, Order Parameters, and Complexity,
now available at
Oxford University Press
(USA,
Europe).