Introduction To The Physics Of Electrons In Solids

This textbook sets out to enable readers to understand fundamental aspects underlying quantum macroscopic phenomena in solids, primarily through the modern experimental techniques and results. The classic independent-electrons approach for describing the electronic structure in terms of energy bands helps explain the occurrence of metals, insulators and semiconductors. It is underlined that superconductivity and magnetism can only be understood by taking into account the interactions between electrons. The text recounts the experimental observations that have revealed the main properties of the superconductors and were essential to track its physical origin. While fundamental concepts are underlined, those which are required to describe the high technology applications, present or future, are emphasized as well. Problem sets involve experimental approaches and tools which support a practical understanding of the materials and their behaviour.

In this upper-level text, Professor Tanner introduces the reader to the behavior of electrons in solids, starting with the simplest possible model. Unlike other solid state physics texts, this book does not begin with complex crystallography, but instead builds up from the simplest possible model of a free electron in a box and introduces higher levels of complexity only when the simple model is inadequate. The approach is to introduce the subject through its historical development, and to show how quantum mechanics is necessary for an understanding of the properties of electrons in solids. The author also includes an examination of the consequences of collective behavior in the phenomena of magnetism and superconductivity. Examples and problems are included for practice.

Electronics in Solids: An Introductory Survey presents a modern picture of electrons in solids using wave properties as the integrating theme of the conceptual background. It looks at lattice waves, light waves, and electron waves—along with their particle-like correlatives, phonons, photons, and electrons. The first chapters of the book provide a background on wave equations, boundary conditions, and general wave properties for the student so that the transition to the nonclassical world of quantum mechanics can be more easily assimilated. The last chapters examine optical properties, electrical properties, junctions, and magnetic properties of solids. This book is written for students of quantum mechanics and those examining the electrical, optical, and magnetic properties of solids, without relying too much on advanced knowledge on atomic or solid-state physics.

Primarily aiming to give undergraduate students an introduction to solid state physics, Physics of Electrons in Solids explains the properties of solids through the study of non-interacting electrons in solids. While each chapter contains a qualitative introduction to the main ideas behind solid state physics, it also provides detailed calculations of utmost importance to graduate students.The introductory chapters contain crystallographic and quantum prerequisites. The central chapters are devoted to the quantum states of an independent electron in a crystal and to the equilibrium properties of conductors, insulators, and semiconductors. The final chapters contain insights into the assumptions made throughout, briefly describing the origin of ferromagnetism and superconductivity. The book ends with exercises and solutions based on a physics course taught by the author at École Polytechnique.

This Third Edition of ELECTRONS IN SOLIDS: AN INTRODUCTORY SURVEY, is the result of a thorough re-examination of the entire text, incorporating suggestions and corrections by students and professors who have used the text. Explanations and descriptions have been expanded, and additional information has been added on high Tc superconductors, diamond films, "buckminsterfullerenes," and thin magnetic materials. Adopted by many colleges and universities, this text has proven to be a solid introduction to the electrical, optical and magnetic properties of materials. Contains comprehensive coverage of electronic properties in metals, semiconductors, and insulators at a fundamental level Stresses the use of wave properties as an integrating theme for the discussion of phonons, photons, and electrons Includes a complete set of illustrative problems along with exercises and answers Features a careful indication of both Gaussian and SI unit systems

"Solid-State Theory - An Introduction" is a textbook for graduate students of physics and material sciences. Whilst covering the traditional topics of older textbooks, it also takes up new developments in theoretical concepts and materials that are connected with such breakthroughs as the quantum-Hall effects, the high-Tc superconductors, and the low-dimensional systems realized in solids. Thus besides providing the fundamental concepts to describe the physics of the electrons and ions comprising the solid, including their interactions, the book casts a bridge to the experimental facts and gives the reader an excellent insight into current research fields. A compilation of problems makes the book especially valuable to both students and teachers.

Electrons in Solids, Second Edition: An Introductory Survey introduces the reader to electrons in solids and covers topics ranging from particles and waves to the free electron model, energy bands, and junctions. Optical and electrical properties are also discussed, along with magnetic properties. The wavelike properties of all of matter are chosen as an integrating theme into which to weave such themes as crystal lattice vibrations (with their effect on electron mobility and electrical and thermal conductivity), electromagnetic waves (with their effect on optical reflection and absorption), and electronic transport in solids (with its dependence on the wavelike properties of electrons). This book is comprised of 11 chapters and begins with an overview of particles and waves, together with classical views of electrons, light, and energy. The general properties of waves are then discussed, with particular reference to traveling waves, standing waves, transverse waves, and longitudinal waves. Lattice waves, light waves, and matter waves are also considered. The reader is also introduced to wave equations, boundary conditions, and general wave properties. The remaining chapters are devoted to optical, electrical, and magnetic properties as well as junctions, including metal-metal junctions, metal-semiconductor junctions, and metal-semiconductor junctions. This monograph is intended for undergraduates and first-year graduate students with a background primarily in materials science, metallurgy, or one of the other engineering disciplines.