![]() The failures of band theory due to electron interaction, spontaneous magnetic orders, and mean field theories are presented well. The final section of the book considers magnetism in order to discuss a range of deeper concepts. The natural culmination of this thread is the triumph of semiconductor physics and devices. From there, the connection is made to electron wave diffraction in solids and how it results in electronic band structure. ![]() Diffraction experiments, as the central application of these ideas, are discussed in great detail. Chemical bonding is introduced and then atoms can be bonded together to crystal structures and reciprocal space results. Only then does the book turn toconsider real materials. Many of the key ideas about waves in solids are then introduced using one dimensional models in order to convey concepts without getting bogged down with details. The failures of these theories force a more serious investigation of microscopics. The book begins with a discussion of the Einstein/Debye model of specific heat, and the Drude/Sommerfeld theories of electrons in solids, which can all be understood without reference to any underlying crystal structure. 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 deepunderlying concepts. 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. The study of solids is one of the richest, most exciting, and most successful branches of physics.
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