Best solid state physics textbook that can replace Kittel

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding suitable alternatives to the textbook "Introduction to Solid State Physics" by Kittel, which some participants find challenging and insufficiently detailed. The focus is on identifying other solid state physics textbooks that cover similar content effectively.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty with Kittel, citing its vagueness and lack of thorough explanations, and seeks a replacement that covers the same material comprehensively.
  • Another participant recommends "Solid State Physics" by Ashcroft and Mermin, describing it as more in-depth and precise.
  • A different participant cautions that Ashcroft/Mermin might be even more challenging for someone struggling with Kittel, suggesting two Dover books by Walter Harrison as alternatives, noting their value for beginners in solid state physics.
  • One participant shares a mixed experience with Harrison, acknowledging its interesting content while also finding it problematic.
  • "The Oxford Solid State Basics" by Steven H. Simon is recommended as a fantastic resource, with accompanying video lectures and free lecture notes available online.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views on suitable textbooks, with no consensus on a single best alternative to Kittel. Some express differing opinions on the effectiveness of the suggested books.

Contextual Notes

Participants' recommendations depend on their personal experiences and may not universally apply to all learners. The discussion reflects varying levels of difficulty associated with different texts.

ahmed markhoos
Messages
49
Reaction score
2
Hello

I am having a really bad semester with solid state physics material, the book "introduction to solid state physics" by kittel is hard to follow and vague also it doesn't provide good explanations, always brief and fast. More than that my prof. is really good but have problems in explaining things.

We use kittel from ch.1 to ch.7. Is there any good replacements to kittel that have the same content "not distributed along the book, so that I can really.replace it"?Thanks.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: garrekds
Physics news on Phys.org
Ashcroft/Mermin Solid state physics is much more in depth and precise.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: vanhees71
I think that if the OP is having problems with Kittel, Ashcroft/Mermin text might be an even bigger hurdle (especially the exercises).

I will recommend two Dover books by Walter Harrison. "Solid State Theory" and "Electronic Structure and Properties of Solids" were valuable resources to me when I started studying solid state physics. One of them (I forget which) has the best treatment of Boltzmann transport of any books that I've encountered.

Zz.
 
Funny, I had always problems with Harrison. But I have to add that Harrison is a very interesting book.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

Solid State Should I buy Kittel's Introduction to Solid State Physics?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Solid State Is Adrianus J. Dekker forgotten or irrelevant?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Solid State Which Introductory Solid State Physics Book from Springer is Best?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Solid State What is the best online course that follows Kittel for solid state physics?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Solid State Textbook for Computational Solid-State Physics?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Solid State Minimal background books for Condensed Matter Theory
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Best Solid State Physics Book for Beginners
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
6K
Solid State No Love for Kittel: An Alternative Textbook for Solid State Physics?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
Solid State Book for graduate solid state physics
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
5K
Solid State Physics problem book?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K