Minimal background books for Condensed Matter Theory

[Pirx]

Hello, everyone!
I'm aware that there's already a thread (probably many ones) for textbooks on the topic of CMT and also exclusively Solid State. As far as I know, Oxford's Solid State Basics is the recommended book for undergraduates and generally people only beginning their adventure with Solid State Physics.

However, it also assumes some working knowledge of statistical and quantum mechanics. My background is in engineering (even though I'm reconsidering enrolling anew in physics sometime soon) and have done some work, in private, on calculus and linear algebra. Began dipping my toes in statistical mechanics but was interrupted by work for my major. Is there a book that is even more layman-ish for SSP than the Oxford one that nonetheless introduces the most important concepts, or should I just stick to statistical mechanics and get on with quantum for the time being? I'm moderately confident with my maths and don't intend to self-teach myself SSP like a course at university, just want to get the feel, so to say, of the subject.

The books could also be PopSci. I just don't expect there to be many books in this genre as usually cosmology and quantum steal the spotlight of broad-audience physics books. Texts that divulge on applications of solid state physics in technology would also be appreciated.

 

[pines-demon]

I think condensed matter can be approached in many ways. Even if not the end of the world, I think it is better to get a good grasp of quantum mechanics and statistical physics before going in, it definitely makes everything more clear.

The Oxford book It is great as an introductory book and you may safely stick to it. It develops the right intuition and the video lectures are online!

The other classics include Kittel's and Aschroft–Mermin's which complement and counter each other. Kittel gives a bird's eye view and does not care much on the details, while AM has everything and but it is very wordy. Marder's book can sometimes be helpful to have a third POV.

A recent one that is worth checking is Girvin's Modern Condensed Matter (be careful some chapters are introductory and some require advanced quantum mechanics).

 

[Frabjous]

The books could also be PopSci.

You could try Out of the Crystal Maze. It’s more of an academic history.

 

[pines-demon]

If you want to get a good laugh and and learn about semiconductors, this is not as a bad as it sounds :

• Britney Spears' Guide to Semiconductor Physics

 

[CrysPhys]

OP: Undergrad solid-state physics is often a junior (3rd yr) course, after classical mechanics, E&M, quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. If you want an overview not requiring all the foundational physics courses, I would recommend an introductory text on materials science and engineering. The text I used as a freshman eons ago was Van Vlack, Materials Science for Engineers. There's an updated version by the same author, Elements of Materials Science and Engineering.

 

[Frabjous]

Is there a book that is even more layman-ish for SSP

You could look at Hummel
https://www.amazon.com/Electronic-Properties-Materials-Rolf-Hummel/dp/1441981632/?tag=pfamazon01-20

 

[Demystifier]

Turton is an introduction to solid state physics with emphasis on physical intuition, rather than mathematics.
https://www.amazon.com/Physics-Solids-Richard-John-Turton/dp/0198503520?tag=pfamazon01-20

 

[pines-demon]

I would also like to say that many undergrad general physics books, undergrad quantum mechanics books and modern physics books cover introductory topics to condensed matter physics. So if you already have a favorite one check those.