Introductory Solid State Physics

Introductory Solid State Physics provides a broad introduction to some of the principal areas of the physical phenomena in solid materials and is aimed broadly at undergraduate students of physics and engineering related subjects. The physical properties of materials are intimately related to the crystalline symmetry of atoms as well as the atomic spe­cies present. This includes the electronic, mechanical, mag­netic and optical properties of all materials. These subjects are treated in depth and aim to provide the student with the tools necessary for an understanding of the varied phenomena of materials. Particular emphasis is given to the reaction of mate­rials to specific stimuli, such as the application of electric and magnetic fields. Nanotechnologies are based on the formation of nanosized elements and structures. The final chapter of the book provides a broad introduction to the topic and uses some of the main tools of solid state physics to explain the behav­iour of nanomaterials and why they are of importance for future technologies.