The Oxford Solid State Basics
Elgin Carmona
A good replacement for Kittel would be a textbook that covers all the essential topics in solid state physics, is well-organized, and provides clear explanations and examples. Additionally, it should have updated information and incorporate recent advancements in the field.
Some key features to look for in a solid state physics textbook include a thorough coverage of fundamental concepts, a balance between theory and application, and a variety of practice problems and exercises. It should also have a user-friendly layout and diagrams to aid in understanding the material.
Yes, there are several textbooks that are commonly used as replacements for Kittel, including "Introduction to Solid State Physics" by Charles Kittel himself, "Solid State Physics" by Neil W. Ashcroft and N. David Mermin, and "Solid State Physics: An Introduction" by Philip Hofmann. It ultimately depends on the individual's preference and learning style.
You can determine the suitability of a solid state physics textbook by looking at the level of difficulty of the material, the prerequisites listed, and the reviews from other readers. It's also helpful to skim through the first few chapters to get a sense of the writing style and level of detail the textbook provides.
Yes, there are various online resources and alternative learning materials such as video lectures, interactive simulations, and online courses that can supplement or replace a solid state physics textbook. However, a textbook is still a valuable resource as it provides a comprehensive and structured approach to learning the subject.
The study of solids is one of the richest, most exciting, and most successful branches of physics. While the subject of solid state physics is often viewed as dry and tedious this new book presents the topic instead as an exciting exposition of fundamental principles and great intellectual breakthroughs. Beginning with a discussion of how the study of heat capacity of solids ushered in the quantum revolution, the author presents the key ideas of the field while emphasizing the deep underlying concepts.
In the past few years, however, there has been an excellent collection of books released under the Oxford Masters Series (OMS) umbrella. These books tend to be more pedagogical and conversational, shorter in length and necessarily more modern. They would be much more appropriately described as bedtime reading compared to the counterparts mentioned above. There are a few books from the OMS that I have read from cover to cover, and some where I have just read a few chapters. These include the following titles:
Most of us learn in solitude with a good textbook/paper rather than in the classroom, and textbooks like these make it easier to get up to speed. I think that condensed matter physics will have a greater appeal at the undergraduate level in the US and other English-speaking countries due to the clarity of the OMS textbooks. The authors of these books have done a service to our sub-field and I much appreciate their effort. Lastly, the philosophical perspective of condensed matter physics has changed somewhat since the days of Kittel and Ashcroft and Mermin, and our textbooks needed to reflect this overhaul. They can now claim to do this.
Please feel free to comment on and recommend books, articles or papers that you found particularly useful. I am curious to know what else is out there, even if not originally an English-language text.
I think Oxford solid state is better for undergrads. I also enjoyed QFT for amateurs. In fact, after reading a few chapters I realized that it is well beyond my expectations (i.e. a useful book not only for amateurs). Strongly recommended!
I do not have words to appreciate the Stephen Blundell Magnetism, and Statistical mechanics books.
Overall I do agree with you that the Oxford series is very consistent, all the authors have done a great service to society.
Over the years I and my friend has made a list of books which can be a good starting point for beginners( -with-me).
Steven H. Simon (born 1967) is an American theoretical physics professor at Oxford University (since 2009) and professorial fellow of Somerville College, Oxford (since 2016). From 2000 to 2008 he was the director of theoretical physics research at Bell Laboratories. He has served on the UK EPSRC Physical Sciences Strategic Advisory Board. He is known for his work on topological phases of matter, topological quantum computing, and fractional quantum Hall effect. He is a co-author of a highly cited review on these subjects.[1] He has also written many papers in the field of information theory. He is the author of a popular introductory book on solid state physics entitled The Oxford Solid State Basics[2] as well as a more recent book entitled Topological Quantum.[3] He is married to political science professor Janina Dill.
Simon received a bachelor of science in physics and math from Brown University in 1989. He earned a doctorate in physics from Harvard University in 1995. At Harvard, Simon's advisor was Bertrand Halperin, Hollis Chair of Mathematicks and Natural Philosophy.[4] As a postdoctoral researcher he worked with Patrick A. Lee at MIT.
In order to understand more intricate properties of solid crystals, the periodic nature of the underlying crystal lattice must be considered. The unit will first introduce the 1D solid as a model system for illustrating the basic consequence of having a periodic lattice. The powerful concept of reciprocal lattice is introduced and subsequently generalized to all three dimensions, with specific examples given for the different cubic lattice structures. Wave scattering by crystals and its connection to the reciprocal lattice is discussed with particular view to the X-ray experiment on offer in the labs. Electronic properties are mapped to the existence of band structure and the emergence of band-filling patterns in different materials. Finally, the unit concludes with a discussion of a couple of cutting-edge research topics in modern solid-state physics.
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A synopsis of the curriculum
The arrangement of atoms and defects in a solid governs its properties. Here we cover the crystal structures and phase diagrams of solid materials. Bonding in solids is discussed, including metallic, ionic and molecular crystals, defects and non-stoichiometry. You will be introduced to the synthesis, properties and applications of a wide range of materials and their solid state reactions. Applications covered include catalysis, pharmaceuticals, energy materials and nanomedicine.
Peter Atkins2018Physical ChemistryOxford University Press
Peter Atkins2017Elements of Physical ChemistryOxford University Press
Anthony West2014Solid State Chemistry and its ApplicationsWiley
Lesley Smart2012Solid state chemistry an introductionCRC Press
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
Have a knowledge and understanding of:
Crystal structures. An ability to describe the features of the most common crystalline structures.
Bonding in the solid state. An ability to identify different bonding contributions in the solid state.
How the structure and bonding determines the chemical properties of a compound.
Molecular defects. An ability to describe different defect structures in the solid state and how they affect the materials properties.
Basic concepts of molecular symmetry.
Phase diagrams. An ability to interpret and draw phase diagrams. Understanding of how phase transitions affect industry, such as pharmaceuticals.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
Demonstrate the development of practical/technical skills.
Demonstrate the ability to analyse, evaluate and correctly interpret data.
Demonstrate the ability to present and communicate data.
Demonstrate the ability to obtain and use information from a variety of sources as part of self-directed learning.
Demonstrate time-management and organisational skills within the context of self-directed learning.