Detailed and well explained Solid state textbook?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the search for detailed Solid State physics textbooks that complement mathematical lectures in a third-year course. The primary recommendation is Charles Kittel's "Introduction to Solid State Physics," which, while foundational, lacks depth in mathematical explanations. Another suggested text is "The Physics and Chemistry of Solids" by S. R. Elliott, though it is not the main course book. A more detailed alternative is "Solid State Physics" by Ashcroft & Mermin, which, despite its age, remains relevant and is recommended for its comprehensive coverage of topics such as the Schrödinger equation and Fourier analysis.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Solid State Physics concepts
  • Familiarity with the Schrödinger equation
  • Knowledge of Fourier analysis
  • Basic grasp of differential equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "Solid State Physics" by Ashcroft & Mermin for detailed mathematical context
  • Explore "The Physics and Chemistry of Solids" by S. R. Elliott for additional insights
  • Study the application of the Schrödinger equation in solid state contexts
  • Investigate advanced topics such as Bloch's theorem and the Kronig-Penny model
USEFUL FOR

Students in Solid State Physics courses, educators seeking comprehensive teaching resources, and researchers looking for detailed mathematical explanations in solid state theory.

Livethefire
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Hey, I've done a search here on this forum as well as the internet and can't find very many detailed Solid State physics books reccomendations.

I am on a 3rd year class in solid state. The lectures are almost exclusively mathematics, as well as the notes. Id love for a book to follow the maths, to explain were it comes from basically... Its not really clear.

Book recommendations for the course were:


Kittel, Charles - Introduction to solid state physics / Charles Kittel
Which covered the basics good, but isn't as detailed in describing the maths- Or at least doesn't go into as much depth.

Elliott, S. R., Stephen Richard, 1952-. - The physics and chemistry of solids.
I haven't had a look at this one yet to be honest but its not the "main" book. Kittel appears to be the main book for the course.

Besides the basic Crystal lattices and reciprocal space etc (which I am fairly fine with) the topics which have been discussed mathematically in lectures were(so far):

Harmonic Oscillator
Phonons and heat capacity etc
Anharmonic effects
Fermi Gas
Thompson Fermi Screening
Bloch
Kronig Penny Model
Central equation
Weak periodic Pot.
Band gap

The list goes on. Each lecture is, as I've said, pages of maths. A bit more context and explanation of the math would be awesome:

a lot of the maths appears to be application of the Schrödinger equation, Fourier analysis and application of to solve differential equations, bloch condition etc.

So naturally any reccomendations for books or sources would be amazing.

Thanks
 
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A standard text which is considered detailed compared to Kittel's is Ashcroft & Mermin's:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0030839939/?tag=pfamazon01-20

It dates back to the 1970s but this shouldn't be a problem, since the basics are more or less the same. The price is relatively high, but second hand copies are available.
 
THanks, I picked one up in the library today, along with Princples of the theory of Solids Zimin.

Ill compare them and see what helps.
 

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