Physics Of Electrons In Solids

This textbook sets out to enable readers to understand fundamental aspects underlying quantum macroscopic phenomena in solids, primarily through the modern experimental techniques and results. The classic independent-electrons approach for describing the electronic structure in terms of energy bands helps explain the occurrence of metals, insulators and semiconductors. It is underlined that superconductivity and magnetism can only be understood by taking into account the interactions between electrons. The text recounts the experimental observations that have revealed the main properties of the superconductors and were essential to track its physical origin. While fundamental concepts are underlined, those which are required to describe the high technology applications, present or future, are emphasized as well. Problem sets involve experimental approaches and tools which support a practical understanding of the materials and their behaviour.

As a continuation of classical condensed matter physics texts, this graduate textbook introduces advanced topics of correlated electron systems, mesoscopic transport,quantum computing, optical excitations and topological insulators. The book is focusing on an intuitive understanding of the basic concepts of these rather complex subjects.

This Third Edition of ELECTRONS IN SOLIDS: AN INTRODUCTORY SURVEY, is the result of a thorough re-examination of the entire text, incorporating suggestions and corrections by students and professors who have used the text. Explanations and descriptions have been expanded, and additional information has been added on high Tc superconductors, diamond films, "buckminsterfullerenes," and thin magnetic materials. Adopted by many colleges and universities, this text has proven to be a solid introduction to the electrical, optical and magnetic properties of materials. Key Features * Contains comprehensive coverage of electronic properties in metals, semiconductors, and insulators at a fundamental level * Stresses the use of wave properties as an integrating theme for the discussion of phonons, photons, and electrons * Includes a complete set of illustrative problems along with exercises and answers * Features a careful indication of both Gaussian and SI unit systems

Primarily aiming to give undergraduate students an introduction to solid state physics, Physics of Electrons in Solids explains the properties of solids through the study of non-interacting electrons in solids. While each chapter contains a qualitative introduction to the main ideas behind solid state physics, it also provides detailed calculations of utmost importance to graduate students.The introductory chapters contain crystallographic and quantum prerequisites. The central chapters are devoted to the quantum states of an independent electron in a crystal and to the equilibrium properties of conductors, insulators, and semiconductors. The final chapters contain insights into the assumptions made throughout, briefly describing the origin of ferromagnetism and superconductivity. The book ends with exercises and solutions based on a physics course taught by the author at École Polytechnique.

Electrons in Solids, Second Edition: An Introductory Survey introduces the reader to electrons in solids and covers topics ranging from particles and waves to the free electron model, energy bands, and junctions. Optical and electrical properties are also discussed, along with magnetic properties. The wavelike properties of all of matter are chosen as an integrating theme into which to weave such themes as crystal lattice vibrations (with their effect on electron mobility and electrical and thermal conductivity), electromagnetic waves (with their effect on optical reflection and absorption), and electronic transport in solids (with its dependence on the wavelike properties of electrons). This book is comprised of 11 chapters and begins with an overview of particles and waves, together with classical views of electrons, light, and energy. The general properties of waves are then discussed, with particular reference to traveling waves, standing waves, transverse waves, and longitudinal waves. Lattice waves, light waves, and matter waves are also considered. The reader is also introduced to wave equations, boundary conditions, and general wave properties. The remaining chapters are devoted to optical, electrical, and magnetic properties as well as junctions, including metal-metal junctions, metal-semiconductor junctions, and metal-semiconductor junctions. This monograph is intended for undergraduates and first-year graduate students with a background primarily in materials science, metallurgy, or one of the other engineering disciplines.

As a continuation of classical condensed matter physics texts, this graduate textbook introduces advanced topics of correlated electron systems, mesoscopic transport,quantum computing, optical excitations and topological insulators. The book is focusing on an intuitive understanding of the basic concepts of these rather complex subjects.

This book aims to introduce the reader to the behaviour of electrons in solids, starting with the simplest possible model, and introducing higher-level models only when the simple model is inadequate. Unlike other solid state physics texts, this book does not begin with complex crystallography, but instead builds up from the simplest possible model of a free electron in a box. The approach is to introduce the subject through its historical development, and to show how quantum mechanics is necessary for an understanding of the properties of electrons in solids. It does not treat the dynamics of the crystal lattice, but proceeds to examine the consequences of collective behaviour in the phenomena of magnetism and superconductivity. Throughout the mathematics is straightforward and uses standard notation. This text is suitable for a second or third year undergraduate course in physics, and would also be suitable for an introductory solid state course in materials science or materials chemistry.

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