Textbooks on Condensed Matter Physics

In summary, Condensed Matter Physics is a comprehensive topic covering various aspects of atomic structure, including two and three-dimensional lattices, symmetries, and experimental methods for determining crystal structure. It also delves into the complexities of surfaces and interfaces, as well as complex structures like alloys, glasses, and liquid crystals. The second part of the conversation discusses electronic structure, including the single-electron model, the Schrodinger equation, and symmetry. It also covers nearly free and tightly bound electrons, as well as electron-electron interactions and density functional theory. Overall, this topic is essential for understanding the properties and behavior of condensed matter systems.
  • #1
Astronuc
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
2023 Award
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6,321
Condensed Matter Physics (seems comprehensive)
Michael Marder
Center for Nonlinear Dynamics, University of Texas, Austin

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I: ATOMIC STRUCTURE
Chapter 1: The Idea of Crystals, page 3
1.1, Introduction, page 3
1.1.1, Why are Solids Crystalline?, page 4
1.2, Two-Dimensional Lattices, page 6
1.2.1, Bravais Lattices, page 6
1.2.2, Enumeration of Two-Dimensional Bravais Lattices, page 7
1.2.3, Lattices with Bases, page 7
1.2.4, Primitive Cells, page 9
1.2.5, Wigner--Seitz Cells, page 10
1.3, Symmetries, page 11
1.3.1, The Space Group, page 11
1.3.2, Translation and Point Groups, page 11

Problems, page 13

References, page 15

Chapter 2: Three-Dimensional Lattice, page 17
2.1, Introduction, page 17
2.1.1, Distribution Among Elements, page 17
2.2, Monatomic Lattices, page 20
2.2.1, The Simple Cubic Lattice, page 20
2.2.2, The Face-Centered Cubic Lattice, page 20
2.2.3, The Body-Centered Cubic Lattice, page 21
2.2.4, The Hexagonal Lattice, page 22
2.2.5, The Hexagonal Close-Packed Lattice, page 23
2.2.6, The Diamond Lattice, page 24
2.3, Compounds , page 24
2.3.1, Rocksalt---Sodium Chloride, page 25
2.3.2, Cesium Chloride, page 26
2.3.3, Fluorite---Calcium Fluoride, page 26
2.3.4, Zincblende---Zinc Sulfide, page 26
2.3.5, Wurtzite---Zinc Oxide, page 28
2.3.6, Perovskite---Calcium Titanate , page 28
2.4, Classification of Lattices by Symmetry, page 28
2.4.1, Fourteen Bravais Lattices and Seven Crystal Systems, page 30
2.5, Symmetries of Lattices with Bases, page 32
2.5.1, Thirty-Two Crystallographic Point Groups, page 32
2.5.2, Two Hundred Thirty Distinct Lattices, page 36
2.6, Some Macroscopic Implications of Microscopic Symmetries, page 37
2.6.1, Pyroelectricity, page 37
2.6.2, Piezoelectricity, page 37
2.6.3, Optical Activity, page 38

Problems, page 38

References, page 41

Chapter 3: Experimental Determination of Crystal Structure, page 43
3.1, Introduction, page 43
3.2, Theory of Scattering from Crystals, page 44
3.2.1, Lattice Sums, page 47
3.2.2, Reciprocal Lattice, page 48
3.2.3, Miller Indices, page 51
3.2.4, Scattering from a Lattice with a Basis, page 52
3.3, Experimental Methods, page 54
3.3.1, Laue Method, page 55
3.3.2, Rotating Crystal Method, page 56
3.3.3, Powder Method, page 58
3.4, Further Features of Scattering Experiments, page 59
3.4.1, Interaction of X-Rays with Matter, page 60
3.4.2, Production of X-Rays, page 60
3.4.3, Neutrons, page 61
3.4.4, Electrons, page 61
3.4.5, Deciphering Complex Structures, page 63
3.4.6, Accuracy of Structure Determinations, page 64

Problems, page 65

References, page 67

Chapter 4: Surfaces and Interface, page 69
4.1, Introduction, page 69
4.2, Geometry of Interfaces, page 69
4.2.1, Coherent and Commensurate Interfaces, page 70
4.2.2, Stacking Period and Interplanar Spacing, page 71
4.2.3, Other Topics in Surface Structure, page 73
4.3, Experimental Observation and Creation of Surfaces, page 73
4.3.1, Low-Energy Electron Diffraction (LEED), page 74
4.3.2, Reflection High-Energy Electron Diffraction (RHEED), page 75
4.3.3, Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE), page 76
4.3.4, Field Ion Microscopy (FIM), page 77
4.3.5, Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM), page 77
4.3.6, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), page 82
4.3.7, High Resolution Electron Microscopy (HREM), page 82

Problems, page 82

References, page 85

Chapter 5: Complex Structure, page 87
5.1, Introduction, page 87
5.2, Alloys, page 87
5.2.1, Equilibrium Structures, page 87
5.2.2, Phase Diagrams, page 89
5.2.3, Superlattices, page 90
5.2.4, Phase Separation, page 91
5.2.5, Nonequilibrium Structures in Alloys, page 94
5.2.6, Dynamics of Phase Separation, page 95
5.3, Simulations, page 97
5.3.1, Monte Carlo, page 97
5.3.2, Molecular Dynamics, page 98
5.4, Liquids, page 99
5.4.1, Correlation Functions, page 99
5.4.2, Extended X-Ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS), page 101
5.4.3, Calculating Correlation Functions, page 103
5.5, Glasses, page 103
5.6, Liquid Crystals, page 107
5.6.1, Nematics, Cholesterics, and Smectics, page 108
5.6.2, Liquid Crystal Order Parameter, page 109
5.7, Polymers, page 110
5.7.1, Ideal Radius of Gyration, page 111
5.8, Quasicrystals, page 115
5.8.1, One-Dimensional Quasicrystal, page 116
5.8.2, Two-Dimensional Quasicrystals---Penrose Tiles, page 121
5.8.3, Experimental Observations, page 124
5.8.4, Fullerenes, page 124

Problems, page 125

References, page 129

PART II: ELECTRONIC STRUCTURE
Chapter 6: The Single-Electron Model, page 135
6.1, Introduction, page 135
6.2, The Basic Hamiltonian, page 137
6.3, Densities of States, page 139
6.3.1, Definition of Density of States ${D, page {140}
6.3.2, Results for Free Electrons, page 141
6.4, Statistical Mechanics of Noninteracting Electrons, page 143
6.5, Sommerfeld Expansion, page 146
6.5.1, Specific Heat of Noninteracting Electrons at Low Temperatures , page 149

Problems, page 150

References, page 153

Chapter 7: The Schroedinger Equation and Symmetry, page 155
7.1, Introduction, page 155
7.2, Translational Symmetry---Bloch's Theorem, page 155
7.2.1, Van Hove Singularities, page 160
7.2.2, Fourier Analysis of Bloch's Theorem, page 163
7.2.3, Kronig--Penney Model, page 166
7.3, Rotational Symmetry---Group Representations, page 169
7.3.1, Classes and Characters, page 175
7.3.2, Consequences of point group symmetries for Schr\"odinger's equation, page 178

Problems, page 181

References, page 184

Chapter 8: Nearly Free and Tightly Bound Electrons, page 185
8.1, Introduction, page 185
8.2, Nearly Free Electrons, page 185
8.2.1, Degenerate Perturbation Theory, page 187
8.3, Brillouin Zones, page 189
8.3.1, Nearly Free Electron Fermi Surfaces, page 191
8.4, Tightly Bound Electrons, page 194
8.4.1, Wannier Functions, page 194
8.4.2, Tight Binding Model, page 197

Problems, page 199

References, page 202

Chapter 9: Electron--Electron Interactions, page 203
9.1, Introduction, page 203
9.2, Hartree and Hartree--Fock Equations, page 204
9.2.1, Variational Principle, page 205
9.2.2, Hartree--Fock Equations, page 205
9.2.3, Numerical Implementation, page 209
9.2.4, Hartree--Fock Equations for Jellium, page 212
9.3, Density Functional Theory, page 214
9.3.1, Thomas--Fermi Theory, page 216
9.3.2, Kohn--Sham Equations, page 218
9.4, Stability of Matter, page 220

Problems, page 223

References, page 226

Chapter 10: Calculation of Band Structures, page 229
10.1, Introduction, page 229
10.2, Numerical Methods, page 230
10.2.1, Pseudopotentials and Orthogonalized Planes Waves (OPW), page 230
10.2.2, Linear Combination of Atomic Orbitals (LCAO), page 235
10.2.3, Plane Waves, page 237
10.2.4, Linear Augmented Plane Waves (LAPW), page 240
10.2.5, Linearized Muffin Tin Orbitals (LMTO), page 243
10.3, Definition of Metals, Insulators, and Semiconductors, page 246
10.4, Brief Survey of the Periodic Table, page 248
10.4.1, Noble Gases, page 248
10.4.2, Nearly Free Electron Metals, page 250
10.4.3, Semiconductors, page 252
10.4.4, Transition Metals, page 252
10.4.5, Rare Earths, page 252

Problems, page 254

References, page 258

PART III: MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
Chapter 11: Cohesion of Solids, page 263
11.1, Introduction, page 263
11.1.1, Radii of Atoms, page 263
11.2, Noble Gases, page 265
11.3, Ionic Crystals, page 269
11.3.1, Ewald Sums, page 270
11.4, Metals, page 272
11.4.1, Use of Pseudopotentials, page 275
11.5, Band Structure Energy, page 276
11.5.1, Peierls Distortion, page 277
11.5.2, Structural Phase Transitions, page 279
11.6, Hydrogen-Bonded Solids, page 280
11.7, Cohesive Energy from Band Calculations, page 280
11.8, Classical Potentials, page 282

Problems, page 283

References, page 285

Chapter 12: Elasticity, page 287
12.1, Introduction, page 287
12.2, General Theory of Linear Elasticity , page 287
12.2.1, Solids of Cubic Symmetry, page 289
12.2.2, Isotropic Solids, page 290
12.3, Other Constitutive Laws, page 295
12.3.1, Liquid Crystals, page 295
12.3.2, Rubber, page 298
12.3.3, Composite and Granular Materials, page 301

Problems, page 301

References, page 303

Chapter 13: Phonons , page 305
13.1, Introduction, page 305
13.2, Vibrations of a Classical Lattice, page 305
13.2.1, Normal Modes, page 307
13.2.2, Lattice with a Basis, page 309
13.3, Vibrations of a Quantum--Mechanical Lattice, page 313
13.3.1, Phonon Specific Heat, page 317
13.3.2, Einstein and Debye Models, page 321
13.3.3, Thermal Expansion, page 324
13.4, Inelastic Scattering from Phonons, page 326
13.4.1, Neutron Scattering, page 327
13.4.2, Formal Theory of Neutron Scattering, page 329
13.4.3, Averaging Exponentials, page 333
13.4.4, Evaluation of Structure Factor, page 335
13.4.5, Kohn Anomalies, page 336
13.5, The M\"ossbauer Effect, page 336

Problems, page 339

References, page 340

Chapter 14: Dislocations and Cracks, page 343
14.1, Introduction, page 343
14.2, Dislocations, page 345
14.2.1, Experimental Observations of Dislocations, page 347
14.2.2, Force to Move a Dislocation, page 350
14.2.3, One-Dimensional Dislocations: Frenkel--Kontorova Model, page 350
14.3, Two-Dimensional Dislocations and Hexatic Phases, page 353
14.3.1, Impossibility of Crystalline Order in Two Dimensions, page 353
14.3.2, Orientational Order, page 355
14.3.3, Kosterlitz--Thouless--Berezinskii Transition, page 356
14.4, Cracks, page 363
14.4.1, Fracture of a Strip, page 363
14.4.2, Stresses Around an Elliptical Hole, page 366
14.4.3, Stress Intensity Factor, page 368
14.4.4, Atomic Aspects of Fracture, page 368

Problems, page 370

References, page 373

Chapter 15: Fluid Mechanics, page 375
15.1, Introduction, page 375
15.2, Newtonian Fluids, page 375
15.2.1, Euler's Equation, page 375
15.2.2, Navier--Stokes Equation, page 377
15.3, Polymeric Solutions, page 378
15.4, Plasticity, page 385
15.5, Superfluid $^4$He, page 389
15.5.1, Two-Fluid Hydrodynamics, page 392
15.5.2, Second Sound, page 393
15.5.3, Origin of Superfluidity, page 395
15.5.4, Lagrangian Theory of Wave Function, page 400
15.5.5, Superfluid 3He, page 403

Problems, page 404

References, page 408

PART IV: ELECTRON TRANSPORT
Chapter 16: Dynamics of Bloch Electrons, page 413
16.1, Introduction, page 413
16.1.1, Drude Model, page 413
16.2, Semiclassical Electron Dynamics, page 415
16.2.1, Bloch Oscillations, page 416
16.2.2, k . P Method, page 417
16.2.3, Effective Mass, page 419
16.3, Noninteracting Electrons in an Electric Field, page 419
16.3.1, Zener Tunneling, page 422
16.4, Semiclassical Equations from Wave Packets, page 425
16.4.1, Formal Dynamics of Wave Packets, page 425
16.5, Quantizing Semiclassical Dynamics, page 430
16.5.1, Wannier--Stark Ladders, page 432
16.5.2, de Haas--van Alphen Effect, page 432
16.5.3, Experimental Measurements of Fermi Surfaces, page 434

Problems, page 437

References, page 440

Chapter 17: Transport Phenomena and Fermi Liquid Theory, page 443
17.1, Introduction, page 443
17.2, Boltzmann Equation, page 443
17.2.1, Boltzmann Equation, page 445
17.2.2, Relaxation Time Approximation, page 446
17.2.3, Relation to Rate of Production of Entropy, page 448
17.3, Transport Symmetries, page 449
17.3.1, Onsager Relations, page 450
17.4, Thermoelectric Phenomena, page 451
17.4.1, Electrical Current, page 451
17.4.2, Effective Mass and Holes, page 453
17.4.3, Mixed Thermal and Electrical Gradients, page 454
17.4.4, Wiedemann--Franz Law, page 455
17.4.5, Thermopower---Seebeck Effect, page 456
17.4.6, Peltier Effect, page 457
17.4.7, Thomson Effect, page 457
17.4.8, Hall Effect, page 459
17.4.9, Magnetoresistance, page 461
17.4.10, Giant Magnetoresistance, page 462
17.5, Fermi Liquid Theory, page 462
17.5.1, Basic Ideas, page 462
17.5.2, Statistical Mechanics of Quasi-Particles, page 464
17.5.3, Effective Mass, page 466
17.5.4, Specific Heat, page 468
17.5.5, Fermi Liquid Parameters, page 469
17.5.6, Traveling Waves, page 470
17.5.7, Comparison with Experiment in 3He, page 473

Problems, page 474

References, page 478

Chapter 18: Microscopic Theories of Conduction, page 481
18.1, Introduction, page 481
18.2, Weak Scattering Theory of Conductivity, page 481
18.2.1, General Formula for Relaxation Time, page 481
18.2.2, Matthiessen's Rule, page 486
18.2.3, Fluctuations, page 487
18.3, Metal--Insulator Transitions, page 488
18.3.1, Types of Impurities, page 488
18.3.2, Impurity Scattering and Green's Functions , page 492
18.3.3, Green's Functions, page 493
18.3.4, Single Impurity, page 497
18.4, Coherent Potential Approximation, page 499
18.5, Localization, page 500
18.5.1, Exact Results in One Dimension, page 501
18.5.2, Scaling Theory of Localization, page 505
18.5.3, Comparison with Experiment, page 509

Problems, page 510

References, page 514

Chapter 19: Electronics, page 517
19.1, Introduction, page 517
19.2, Metal Interfaces, page 518
19.2.1, Work Functions, page 519
19.2.2, Schottky Barrier, page 520
19.2.3, Contact Potentials, page 522
19.3, Semiconductors, page 524
19.3.1, Pure Semiconductors, page 525
19.3.2, Semiconductor in Equilibrium, page 528
19.3.3, Intrinsic Semiconductor, page 530
19.3.4, Extrinsic Semiconductor, page 531
19.4, Diodes and Transistors, page 533
19.4.1, Surface States, page 536
19.4.2, Semiconductor Junctions, page 537
19.4.3, Boltzmann Equation for Semiconductors, page 540
19.4.4, Detailed Theory of Rectification, page 542
19.4.5, Transistor, page 545
19.5, Inversion Layers, page 548
19.5.1, Heterostructures, page 548
19.5.2, Quantum Point Contact, page 550
19.5.3, Quantum Dot, page 553

Problems, page 556

References, page 557

PART V: OPTICAL PROPERTIES
Chapter 20: Phenomenological Theory, page 561
20.1, Introduction, page 561
20.2, Maxwell's Equations, page 563
20.2.1, Traveling Waves, page 565
20.2.2, Mechanical Oscillators as Dielectric Function, page 566
20.3, Kramers--Kronig Relations, page 568
20.3.1, Application to Optical Experiments, page 570
20.4, The Kubo--Greenwood Formula, page 573
20.4.1, Born Approximation, page 573
20.4.2, Susceptibility, page 577
20.4.3, Many-Body Green Functions, page 578

Problems, page 578

References, page 581

Chapter 21: Optical Properties of Semiconductors, page 583
21.1, Introduction, page 583
21.2, Cyclotron Resonance, page 583
21.2.1, Electron Energy Surfaces, page 586
21.3, Semiconductor Band Gaps, page 588
21.3.1, Direct Transitions, page 588
21.3.2, Indirect Transitions, page 589
21.4, Excitons, page 591
21.4.1, Mott--Wannier Excitons, page 591
21.4.2, Frenkel Excitons, page 594
21.4.3, Electron--Hole Liquid, page 595
21.5, Optoelectronics, page 595
21.5.1, Solar Cells, page 595
21.5.2, Lasers, page 596

Problems, page 602

References, page 606

Chapter 22: Optical Properties of Insulators, page 609
22.1, Introduction, page 609
22.2, Polarization, page 609
22.2.1, Ferroelectrics, page 609
22.2.2, Clausius--Mossotti Relation, page 611
22.3, Optical Modes in Ionic Crystals, page 613
22.3.1, Polaritons, page 616
22.3.2, Polarons, page 618
22.3.3, Experimental Observations of Polarons, page 623
22.4, Point Defects and Color Centers, page 623
22.4.1, Vacancies, page 624
22.4.2, F Centers, page 625
22.4.3, Electron Spin Resonance and Electron Nuclear Double Resonance, page 626
22.4.4, Other Centers, page 628
22.4.5, Franck--Condon Effect, page 628
22.4.6, Urbach Tails, page 632

Problems, page 633

References, page 635

Chapter 23: Optical Properties of Metals and Inelastic Scattering , page 637
23.1, Introduction, page 637
23.1.1, Plasma Frequency, page 637
23.2, Metals at Low Frequencies, page 640
23.2.1, Anomalous Skin Effect, page 642
23.3, Plasmons, page 643
23.3.1, Experimental Observation of Plasmons, page 644
23.4, Interband Transitions, page 646
23.5, Brillouin and Raman Scattering, page 649
23.5.1, Brillouin Scattering, page 650
23.5.2, Raman Scattering, page 651
23.5.3, Inelastic X-Ray Scattering, page 651
23.6, Photoemission, page 651
23.6.1, Measurement of Work Functions, page 651
23.6.2, Angle-Resolved Photoemission, page 654
23.6.3, Core-Level Photoemission and Charge-Transfer Insulators, page 658

Problems, page 664

References, page 667

PART VI: MAGNETISM
Chapter 24: Classical Theories of Magnetism and Ordering, page 671
24.1, Introduction, page 671
24.2, Three Views of Magnetism, page 671
24.2.1, From Magnetic Moments, page 671
24.2.2, From Conductivity, page 672
24.2.3, From a Free Energy, page 673
24.3, Magnetic Dipole Moments, page 675
24.3.1, Spontaneous Magnetization of Ferromagnets, page 678
24.3.2, Ferrimagnets, page 679
24.3.3, Antiferromagnets, page 681
24.4, Mean Field Theory and the Ising Model, page 682
24.4.1, Domains , page 684
24.4.2, Hysteresis, page 687
24.5, Other Order--Disorder Transitions, page 688
24.5.1, Alloy Superlattices, page 688
24.5.2, Spin Glasses, page 691
24.6, Critical Phenomena, page 691
24.6.1, Landau Free Energy, page 692
24.6.2, Scaling Theory, page 698

Problems, page 702

References, page 705

Chapter 25: Magnetism of Ions and Electrons, page 707
25.1, Introduction, page 707
25.2, Atomic Magnetism, page 709
25.2.1, Hund's Rules, page 710
25.2.2, Curie's Law, page 714
25.3, Magnetism of the Free-Electron Gas, page 717
25.3.1, Pauli Paramagnetism, page 718
25.3.2, Landau Diamagnetism, page 719
25.3.3, Aharonov--Bohm Effect, page 722
25.4, Tightly Bound Electrons in Magnetic Fields, page 724
25.5, Quantum Hall Effect, page 728
25.5.1, Integer Quantum Hall Effect, page 728
25.5.2, Fractional Quantum Hall Effect, page 733

Problems, page 739

References, page 742
 
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  • #2
Condensed Matter Physics (continued)

Chapter 26: Quantum Mechanics of Interacting Magnetic Moments, page 745
26.1, Introduction, page 745
26.2, Origin of Ferromagnetism, page 745
26.2.1, Heitler--London Calculation, page 745
26.2.2, Spin Hamiltonian, page 750
26.3, Heisenberg Model, page 750
26.3.1, Indirect Exchange and Superexchange, page 752
26.3.2, Ground State, page 753
26.3.3, Spin Waves, page 753
26.3.4, Spin Waves in Antiferromagnets, page 756
26.3.5, Comparison with Experiment, page 759
26.4, Ferromagnetism in Transition Metals, page 759
26.4.1, Stoner Model, page 759
26.4.2, Calculations Within Band Theory, page 761
26.5, Kondo Effect, page 763
26.5.1, Scaling Theory, page 768
26.6, Hubbard Model, page 772
26.6.1, Mean-Field Solution, page 773

Problems, page 776

References, page 779

Chapter 27: Superconductivity, page 783
27.1, Introduction, page 783
27.2, Phenomenology of Superconductivity, page 784
27.2.1, Phenomenological Free Energy, page 785
27.2.2, Thermodynamics of Superconductors, page 787
27.2.3, Landau--Ginzburg Free Energy, page 788
27.2.4, Type I and Type II Superconductors, page 789
27.2.5, Flux Quantization, page 794
27.2.6, The Josephson Effect, page 796
27.2.7, Circuits with Josephson Junction Elements, page 798
27.2.8, SQUIDS, page 799
27.2.9, Origin of Josephson's Equations , page 800
27.3, Microscopic Theory of Superconductivity, page 802
27.3.1, Electron--Ion Interaction, page 803
27.3.2, Formal Derivation, page 806
27.3.3, Instability of the Normal State: Cooper Problem, page 808
27.3.4, Self-Consistent Ground State, page 812
27.3.5, Thermodynamics of Superconductors, page 817
27.3.6, Superconductor in External Magnetic Field, page 820
27.3.7, Derivation of Meissner Effect, page 824
27.3.8, Comparison with Experiment, page 827
27.3.9, High-Temperature Superconductors, page 828

Problems, page 833

References, page 837

APPENDICES

Appendix A, Lattice Sums and Fourier Transforms, page 843
A.1, One-Dimensional Sum, page 843
A.2, Area Under Peaks, page 843
A.3, Three-Dimensional Sum, page 844
A.4, Discrete Case, page 845
A.5, Convolution, page 846
A.6, Using the Fast Fourier Transform, page 846

References, page 848

Appendix B, Variational Techniques, page 849
B.1, Functionals and Functional Derivatives, page 849
B.2, Time-Independent Schroedinger Equation, page 850
B.3, Time-Dependent Schroedinger Equation, page 851
B.4, Method of Steepest Descent, page 852

References, page 852

Appendix C, Second Quantization, page 853
C.1, Rules, page 853
C.1.1, States, page 853
C.1.2, Operators, page 853
C.1.3, Hamiltonians, page 854
C.2, Derivations, page 855
C.2.1, Bosons, page 855
C.2.2, Fermions, page 856

Index, page 859
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  • #3
I really like Marder (from the little interaction I've had with it so far). I was only recently introduced to it, having grown up on Ashcroft & Mermin, and Kittel for all the basic concepts. It is definitely more rigorous (in most areas) than the other two.
 
  • #4
Gokul43201 said:
I really like Marder (from the little interaction I've had with it so far). I was only recently introduced to it, having grown up on Ashcroft & Mermin, and Kittel for all the basic concepts. It is definitely more rigorous (in most areas) than the other two.

i think marder complements ashcroft and mermin in several ways - especially, in being more up to date and experiments-friendly. however, i do think it is much more loosely written - ashcroft and mermin takes the cake for rigor.

in my experience, kittel is irritating if you are looking for more than an overview, but often is the best starting point for several things -especially areas where kittel made seminal contributions.
 
  • #5
I should not have used the word 'rigorous' - I meant something more along the lines of 'extensive' or 'complete'.
 
  • #6
rainbowings said:
i think marder complements ashcroft and mermin in several ways - especially, in being more up to date and experiments-friendly. however, i do think it is much more loosely written - ashcroft and mermin takes the cake for rigor.

in my experience, kittel is irritating if you are looking for more than an overview, but often is the best starting point for several things -especially areas where kittel made seminal contributions.

I have always had the impression that Kittel is an undergraduate text, while Ascroft and Mermin is meant for either advanced undergraduate (who already had Kittel) or 1st year graduate. So we may be comparing apples to oranges here.

So, no one else here use Chaikin and Lubensky's "Principle of Condensed Matter physics"?

Zz.
 
  • #7
Who is Chaikin and Lubensky aimed for? I'm in the process of getting my hands on an advanced level CMP textbook and so far Ashcroft/Mermin has seemed like my best option.
 
  • #8
Principles of Condensed Matter Physics
Cambridge University Press

P. M. Chaikin
Princeton University, New Jersey

T. C. Lubensky
University of Pennsylvania

this book provides an overview of the physics of condensed matter systems. Assuming a familiarity with the basics of quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics, the book establishes a general framework for describing condensed phases of matter, based on symmetries and conservation laws. It explores the role of spatial dimensionality and microscopic interactions in determining the nature of phase transitions, as well as discussing the structure and properties of materials with different symmetries. Particular attention is given to critical phenomena and renormalization group methods. The properties of liquids, liquid crystals, quasicrystals, crystalline solids, magnetically ordered systems and amorphous solids are investigated in terms of their symmetry, generalised rigidity, hydrodynamics and topological defect structure. In addition to serving as a course text, this book is an essential reference for students and researchers in physics, applied physics, chemistry, materials science and engineering, who are interested in modern condensed matter physics.
from Cambridge University Press

Based on a knowledge of quantum and statistical mechanics, it would seem appropriate for a senior level (4th ot 5th yr) undergraduate or first year graduated student in physics. Of course, I defer to ZapperZ in this matter.

See more online at - http://www.cambridge.org/uk/catalogue/catalogue.asp?isbn=0521432243

At £47.50 ( ~ $86.2776 US / EUR 71.46 ) it seems relatively inexpensive.
 
  • #9
inha said:
Who is Chaikin and Lubensky aimed for? I'm in the process of getting my hands on an advanced level CMP textbook and so far Ashcroft/Mermin has seemed like my best option.

You use Chaikin and Lubensky AFTER you have gone through Ashcroft and Mermin.

Zz.
 
  • #10
All right. Ashcroft&Mermin will be my first purchace then.
 
  • #11
If you have not done Kittel, try it first. Then move onto Ashcroft and Mermin. After that I can't tell you what to go after. If you are leaning towards optical properties of semiconductors, try Yu and Cardona. Marder seems comprehensive at a quick glance of the TOC. Chaikin and Lubensky I have never seen, so I cannot judge. My expertise lies in optical properties of semiconductors, so take that with a grain of salt.
 
  • #12
I've been through intro-level already. I haven't narrowed my interests down enough yet though. CM is such a huge field and almost everything under it seems to interest me.
 
  • #13
Dr Transport, are you familiar with Bhattacharya's book on Optoelectronics ? Would you care to comment on it ?
 
  • #14
ZapperZ said:
You use Chaikin and Lubensky AFTER you have gone through Ashcroft and Mermin.

Zz.

I forgot I had this books. I just looked throught it again, and it looks like it's could be useful for QCP.
 
  • #15
Gokul43201 said:
Dr Transport, are you familiar with Bhattacharya's book on Optoelectronics ? Would you care to comment on it ?

I am not familiar with that text, I will be more than happy to take a look at it and give my impressions at a later point in time.

Another optical properties text I would reccomend is Chuang, Physics of Optoelectronic Devices.
 
  • #16
Condensematter-Optical properties books

Here are two important books on the "Optical properties of solids:

1. F. Wooten - "Optical Properties of Solids"

Comment : Excellent treatment, the standard reference quoted in many journal articles. Year of Public: 1976


2. G. Gruner & M. Dressel - "Electrodynamics of Solids"

Comment : A must have book, more recent developments, uptodate resutlts.

Year of Publication : 2002 (approx)
 
  • #17
Chaikin and Lubensky' Book mainly focus on SOFT condensed matter physics,
including polymers, liquid crystals, solutions, etc.
If you are interested in solid state physics, you can consult book by J. Callaway.
 
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  • #18
snooper007 said:
Chaikin and Lubensky' Book mainly focus on SOFT condensed matter physics,
including polymers, liquid crystals, solutions, etc.
If you are interested in solid state physics, you can consult book by J. Callaway.


Bump! Callaway seems to be really expensive so I'll settle with the university library copy but I was wondering if there are cheaper alternatives? I'm also interested in getting a more recent grad level book that'd cover recent developements as well.
 
  • #19
Yu and Cardona...I consider it to be one of the best out htere which combines theory and experimental results.
 
  • #20
What's the name of the book? All I'm finding with just the names is some "Fundamentals of semiconductors" book.
 

What is condensed matter physics?

Condensed matter physics is a branch of physics that studies the physical properties of materials in their solid and liquid states. It deals with the microscopic behavior of atoms and molecules and how they give rise to macroscopic properties such as magnetism, conductivity, and superconductivity.

What are the key topics covered in textbooks on condensed matter physics?

Textbooks on condensed matter physics cover topics such as crystal structure, lattice vibrations, electronic properties, superconductivity, magnetism, and phase transitions. They also delve into more advanced topics such as quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and solid state physics.

What are some common applications of condensed matter physics?

Condensed matter physics has a wide range of applications in various fields such as materials science, engineering, and technology. It is used to develop new materials with specific properties, improve electronic devices, and understand the behavior of matter under extreme conditions.

How is condensed matter physics different from other branches of physics?

Condensed matter physics is unique in that it focuses on the properties of materials and how they interact with each other, rather than studying individual particles or systems. It also incorporates concepts from other branches of physics such as quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and electromagnetism.

What are some recommended textbooks on condensed matter physics?

Some popular textbooks on condensed matter physics include "Introduction to Solid State Physics" by Charles Kittel, "Condensed Matter Physics" by Michael P. Marder, and "Principles of Condensed Matter Physics" by P.M. Chaikin and T.C. Lubensky. These textbooks cover a wide range of topics and are suitable for both undergraduate and graduate students.

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