Solid State Physics: Essential Concepts

Solids are made up of densely packed atoms. The interactions between these atoms decide the various mechanical, electrical, thermal, optical and magnetic properties of the solids. These solids can be broadly classified into crystalline solids and amorphous solids. Solid state physics is the sub-discipline of condensed matter physics which is concerned with the study of such solids. It focuses on how the large scale properties of matter result from its atomic scale properties. The wide variety of techniques used in solid state physics range from electromagnetism, metallurgy, crystallography and quantum mechanics. Some of the emerging areas of research in this field are quasicrystals, spin glass, nanomaterials, two dimensional materials and superconductivity. The subject of solid state physics finds extensive application in the fields of consumer electronics, fiber optics and silicon based memory bits. This book attempts to understand the multiple branches that fall under the discipline of solid state physics and how such concepts have practical applications. The topics covered in herein deal with the core subjects of solid state physics. This book is an essential guide for both academicians and those who wish to pursue this discipline further