Solid-State Physics : Introduction to the Theory

Learning solid state physics involves a certain degree of maturity, since it involves tying together diverse concepts from many areas of physics. The objective is to understand, in a basic way, how solid materials behave. To do this one needs both a good physical and mathematical background. One definition of solid state physics is that it is the study of the physical (e.g. the electrical, dielectric, magnetic, elastic, and thermal) properties of solids in terms of basic physical laws. In one sense, solid state physics is more like chemistry than some other branches of physics because it focuses on common properties of large classes of materials. It is typical that solid state physics emphasizes how physics properties link to electronic structure. We have retained the term solid state physics, even though condensed matter physics is more commonly used. Condensed matter physics includes liquids and non-crystalline solids such as glass, which we shall not discuss in detail. Modern solid state physics came of age in the late thirties and forties, and had its most extensive expansion with the development of the transistor, integrated circuits, and microelectronics. Most of microelectronics, however, is limited to the properties of inhomogeneously doped semiconductors. Solid state physics includes many other areas of course; among the largest of these are ferromagnetic materials, and superconductors. Just a little less than half of all working physicists are in condensed matter. A course in solid state physics typically begins with three broad areas: (1) How and why atoms bind together to form solids, (2) Lattice vibrations and phonons, and (3) Electrons in solids. One would then typically apply the above to (4) Interactions especially of electrons with phonons, (5) Metals, the Fermi surface and alloys, (6) Semiconductors, (7) Magnetism, (8) Superconductivity, (9) Dielectrics and ferroelectrics, (10) Optical properties, (11) Defects, and (12) Certain other modern topics such as layered materials, quantum Hall effect, mesoscopics, nanophysics, and soft condensed matter. In this book, we will consider all of these. Learning Solid State Physics involves a certain degree of maturity, since it involves tying together diverse concepts from many areas of physics. The objective is to understand, in a basic way, how solid materials behave. To do this one needs both a good physical and mathematical background. One definition of Solid State Physics is it is the study of the physical (e.g. the electrical, dielectric, magnetic, elastic, and thermal) properties of solids in terms of basic physical laws. In one sense, Solid State Physics is more like chemistry than some other branches of physics because it focuses on common properties of large classes of materials. It is typical that Solid State Physics emphasizes how physics properties link to electronic structure. We have retained the term Solid State Physics, even though Condensed Matter Physics is more commonly used. Condensed Matter Physics includes liquids and non-crystalline solids such as glass, which we shall not discuss in detail. Modern Solid State Physics came of age in the late thirties and forties, and had its most extensive expansion with the development of the transistor, integrated circuits, and microelectronics. Most of microelectronics however is limited to the properties of inhomogeneously doped semiconductors. Solid State Physics includes many other areas of course; among the largest of these are ferromagnetic materials, and superconductors. Just a little less than half of all working physicists are in Condensed Matter. A course in Solid State Physics typically begins with three broad areas: (1) How and why atoms bind together to form solids, (2) Lattice Vibrations and Phonons, and (3) Electrons in Solids. One would then typically apply the above to (4) Interactions especially of electrons with phonons, (5) Metals, the Fermi Surface and Alloys, (6) Semiconductors, (7) Magnetism, (8) Superconductivity, (9) Dielectrics and Ferroelectrics, (10) Optical Properties, (11) Defects, and (12) Certain other modern topics such as layered materials, quantum Hall effect, mesoscopics, nanophysics, and soft condensed matter. In this book, we will consider all of these. TOC:1. Crystal Binding and Strucgture.- 2. Lattice Vibrations and Thermal Properties.- 3. Electrons in Periodic Potentials.- 4. The Interaction of Electrons and Lattice Vibrations.- 5. Metals, Alloys, and the Fermi Surface.- 6. Semiconductors.- 7. Magnetism, Magnons, and Magnetic Resonance.- 8. Superconductivity.- 9. Dielectrics and Ferroelectrics.- 10. Optical Properties of Solids.- 11. Defects in Solids.- 12. Current Topics in Solid Condensed Matter Physics

pauline frommer's

Ireland

spend less see more

1st edition

"A great read. . . . Lively and unabashedly opinionated."

-New York Post

budget travel redefined

I put a fresh spin on budget travel, showing you not only how to spend less in Ireland, but how to see it in a more authentic way, without sacrificing comfort for savings.

• Charming accommodations: Instead of spending $300 a night for a bland, chain hotel, rent a 100-year-old stone farmhouse that sleeps six for as little as $53 a night (p. 315) or your own lighthouse for just a bit more (p. 90).
• Food finds: Eat your way through the Emerald Isle affordably, from succulent oysters in Galway (p. 269) to updated Irish stew in Dublin (p. 42).
• Sights and attractions: Discover in-depth histories, outspoken commentary on museums and historic sights, cultural gems such as seaweed baths and pilgrim's treks, and much more.
• Insider's Ireland: Enjoy entrancing evenings of storytelling and traditional music sessions that only the locals know about, cooking classes introducing you to the newly gourmet Irish cuisine (p. 444), and "road bowling" along country lanes (p. 392).

Happy Travels,

Pauline Frommer

Spend less, see more. This is the philosophy behind Pauline Frommer's guides. Written by travel expert Pauline Frommer (who is also the daughter of Arthur Frommer), and her team of hand-picked writers, these guides show how to truly experience a culture, meet locals, and save money along the way. With Pauline Frommer's Ireland you'll: Tap into a wealth of affordable accommodations, from coastal cottages with breathtakng sea views, to central city apartments close to all the action in Dublin. Make Ireland's stunning scenery your backdrop for inexpensive golf, horseback riding, sailing, fishing, cycling, and hiking. Learn the art of comic improvisation in Cork City, or the volcanic, organic detailing of raku ceramics in West Cork Discover Belfast and Northern Ireland , where former prisoners are now tour guides and troubled spots are must-see neighborhoods. Get inside the "other" Ireland and meet locals at art classes, attend backroom folk music jams at the neighborhood pub, visit local markets, and more. While The Standard Solid State Topics Are Covered, The Basic Ones Often Have More Detailed Derivations Than Is Customary (with An Empasis On Crystalline Solids). Several Recent Topics Are Introduced, As Are Some Subjects Normally Included Only In Condensed Matter Physics. Lattice Vibrations, Electrons, Interactions, And Spin Effects (mostly In Magnetism) Are Discussed The Most Comprehensively. Many Problems Are Included Whose Level Is From Fill In The Steps To Long And Challenging, And The Text Is Equipped With References And Several Comments About Experiments With Figures And Tables. A new series of budget travel guides explains how to enjoy an authentic travel experience without spending large amounts of money, offering helpful advice on how to find the best hotel rooms at the most economical rates, the benefits of alternative accommodations, how to find great food without the price tag of fancy restaurants, cool local landmarks and offbeat places to visit, and more. While the standard solid state topics are covered, the basic ones often have more detailed derivations than is customary (with an empasis on crystalline solids). This title covers recent topics, as are some subjects normally included only in condensed matter physics.