Enables readers to easily understand the basics of solid state physics

Solid State Physics is a successful short textbook that gives a clear and concise introduction to its subject. The presentation is suitable for students who are exposed to this topic for the first time. Each chapter starts with basic principles and gently progresses to more advanced concepts, using easy-to-follow explanations and keeping mathematical formalism to a minimum.

This new edition is thoroughly revised, with easier-to-understand descriptions of metallic and covalent bonding, a straightforward proof of Bloch's theorem, a simpler approach to the nearly free electron model, and enhanced pedagogical features, such as more than 100 discussion questions, 70 problems--including problems to train the students’ skills to find computational solutions--and multiple-choice questions at the end of each chapter, with solutions in the book for self-training.

Solid State Physics introduces the readers to:

• Crystal structures and underlying bonding mechanisms
• The mechanical and vibrational properties of solids
• Electronic properties in both a classical and a quantum mechanical picture, with a treatment of the electronic phenomena in metals, semiconductors and insulators
• More advanced subjects, such as magnetism, superconductivity and phenomena emerging for nano-scaled solids

For bachelor’s students in physics, materials sciences, engineering sciences, and chemistry, Solid State Physics serves as an introductory textbook, with many helpful supplementary learning resources included throughout the text and available online, to aid in reader comprehension.

Philip Hofmann studied physics at the Free University, Berlin and did his PhD research at the Fritz-Haber-Institute of the Max Planck Society, also in Berlin. He stayed at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, USA, as a Feodor Lynen Fellow of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. In 1998, he moved to Aarhus University, Denmark, where he is a professor at the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

Preface
CRYSTAL STRUCTURES
General Description of Crystal Structures
Some Important Crystal Structures
Crystal Structure Determination
Further Reading
Discussion and Problems
BONDING IN SOLIDS
Attractive and Repulsive Forces
Ionic Bonding
Covalent Bonding
Metallic Bonding
Hdrogen Bonding
van der Waals Bonding
Further Reading
Discussion and Problems
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
Elastic Deformation
Plastic Deformation
Fracture
Further Reading
Discussion and Problems
THERMAL PROPERTIES OF THE LATTICE
Lattice Vibrations
Heat Capacity of the Lattice
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion
Allotropic Phase Transitions and Melting
Further Reading
Discussion and Problems
ELECTRONIC PROPERTIES OF METALS: CLASSICAL APPROACH
Basic Assumptions of the Drude Model
Results from the Drude Model
Shortcomings of the Drude Model
Further Reading
Discussion and Problems
ELECTRONIC PROPERTIES OF SOLIDS: QUANTUM MECHANICAL APPROACH
The Idea of Energy Bands
Free Electron Model
The General Form of the Electronic States
Nearly Free Electron Model
Tight-Binding Model
Energy Bands in Real Solids
Transport Properties
Brief Review of Some Key Ideas
Further Reading
Discussion and Problems
SEMICONDUCTORS
Intrinsic Semiconductors
Doped Semiconductors
Conductivity and Semiconductors
Semiconductor Devices
Further Reading
Discussion and Problems
MAGNETISM
Macroscopic Description
Quantum Mechaical Description of Magnetism
Paramagnetism and Diamagnetism in Atoms
Weak Magnetism in Solids
Magnetic Ordering
Further Reading
Discussion and Problems
DIELECTRICS
Macroscopic Description
Microscopic Polarization
The Local Field
Frequency Dependence of the Dielectric Constant
Other Effects
Further Reading
Discussion and Problems
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY
Basic Experimental Facts
Some Theoretical Aspects
Experimental Detection of the Gap
Coherence of the Superconducting State
Type I and Type II Superconductors
High-Temperature Superconductivity
Concluding Remarks
Further Reading
Discusson and Problems
FINITE SOLIDS AND NANOSTRUCTURES
Quantum Confinement
Surfaces and Interfaces
Magnetism on the Nanoscale
Further Reading
Discussion and Problems
APPENDIX
Explicit Forms of Vector Operations
Differential Form of the Maxwell Equations
Maxwell Equations in Matter