Advanced Solid State Physics Book: A Modern Alternative to Kittel and Ashcroft

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the search for a modern alternative to established solid-state physics textbooks, specifically Kittel and Ashcroft. Participants express their preferences and critiques of existing texts while seeking recommendations for newer authors or books that present advanced concepts in a more accessible manner.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant found Kittel complicated and Ashcroft outdated, expressing a desire for a more modern text that is still advanced yet familiar.
  • Another participant questions the contradiction in seeking an advanced text while finding Kittel complicated, suggesting that Kittel is generally considered elementary and criticizing his explanations and mathematical rigor. They recommend Marder's "Condensed Matter Physics" as a good alternative.
  • A different participant defends Ashcroft & Mermin as a strong textbook, noting its relevance despite being older, while acknowledging their own lack of expertise in solid-state physics.
  • One participant requests suggestions for new authors in the field.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the quality and relevance of Kittel and Ashcroft, with no consensus on a single alternative text. Multiple competing views on the suitability of these textbooks remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Some participants' critiques depend on personal experiences and interpretations of the texts, which may not universally apply. There is also a lack of specific recommendations for newer authors beyond the mention of Marder.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or professionals in solid-state physics seeking updated resources or alternative textbooks that balance advanced content with clarity.

Suman Saha
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I found Kittel very complicated and Ashcroft outdated. I want something rather new, written in a advanced but familiar manner.
 
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You found Kittel complicated but want something written in an advanced manner? That seems rather contradictory - Kittel is meant to be one of the more elementary level texts in the field. I personally dislike Kittel as well though - he doesn't explain a lot of concepts very well, and uses very sloppy mathematics at times.
Condensed Matter Physics by Marder seems to be a pretty good book.
 
Hm, I always thought that Ashcroft&Mermin is one of the best solid-state textbooks on the market and, as any good textbook, surprisingly up-to-date although written a while ago, but I'm not a solid-state physicist myself.
 
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Friends, can you suggest for some new authors.
 

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