Solid State Physics
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Book Overview
The Manchester Physics Series General Editors: D. J. Sandiford; F. Mandl; A. C. Phillips Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester Properties of Matter B. H. Flowers and E. Mendoza Optics Second Edition F. G. Smith and J. H. Thomson Statistical Physics Second Edition F. Mandl Electromagnetism Second Edition I. S. Grant and W. R. Phillips Statistics R. J. Barlow Solid State Physics Second Edition J. R. Hook and H. E. Hall Quantum Mechanics F. Mandl Particle Physics Second Edition B. R. Martin and G. Shaw The Physics of Stars A. C. Phillips Solid State Physics, Second Edition is aimed at students taking a first course in this subject, although it will also be of interest to professional physicists and electronic engineers requiring a grasp of the fundamentals of this important area of physics. Basic concepts are introduced in an easily accessible context: for example, wave propagation in crystals is introduced using one-and two-dimensional geometries. Only when these basic ideas are familiar are generalisations to three dimensions and the elegant framework of the reciprocal lattice made. Extensively rewritten, the Second Edition now includes new and expanded coverage of semiconductor devices, the quantum Hall effect, quasicrystals, high temperature superconductors and techniques for the study of the surfaces of solids. A chapter on dielectrics and ferroelectrics has also been added. Solid State Physics, Second Edition features: A carefully written and structured text to help students fully understand this exciting subject. A flow diagram allowing topics to be studied in different orders or omitted altogether. Optional "starred" and highlighted sections containing more advanced and specialised material for the more ambitious reader. Carefully selected problems at the end of each chapter designed to assist learning. Solutions are provided at the end of the book.
Format:Hardcover
Language:English
ISBN:0471928046
ISBN13:9780471928041
Release Date:September 1991
Publisher:Wiley
Length:496 Pages
Weight:1.80 lbs.
Customer Reviews
2 ratings
Not great, but maybe one of the better choices based on what's available
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 15 years ago
First, the disclaimer: I'm writing this as an instructor of an undergraduate course in Solid State Physics. The standard text of Kittel is a fantastic reference after a course that uses it, but is so terse in descriptions that it's a tough haul for a first course. I tried using the Physics and Chemistry of Solids by Elliot, which was too verbose. On this spectrum, Hook and Hall is in the middle -- not too long to be overwhelming, but generally fairly readable text along the way. The text is not great, but not bad at all. (I would have tried a text by Chrisman if it was still in print.) In terms of subject matter, the book largely follows the standard route (crystal structures, diffraction, phonons, electrons, semiconductors, then more specialized topics). The one big caveat is that reciprocal space is deferred until late in the book. While there were a couple times when I wanted to bring up reciprocal space earlier in the course (e.g. diffraction), it avoided the usual period early in the semester trying to figure out this abstract concept without knowing what good it is. There is yet to be a text for an undergraduate course that matches the role Ashcroft and Mermin played for a graduate solid state course -- coherent, intuitive, and mathematically rigorous. While I can envision a better text, I have yet to find it. I would be likely to use this text again based on what I've seen that's available.
Good companion for first solid state course
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
I used this book as a companion to the standard Ashcroft & Mermin text in a graduate physics course. As other reviewers have pointed out, the approach of Hook is quite different, which in my case was of great benefit. First, the math in this book is not as sophisticated as Ashcroft's. The author prefers 1- or 2-dimentional derivations to Ashcroft's generalized ones using vector functions and matrix equations. Second, the explanations provide a fundamental understanding to a student, while Aschroft's writing is dense and at time can sound like a theory paper about mathematics. I challenge anyone to find a mention of Heisenberg uncertainty principle - a fundamental property of waves - in Ashcroft's chapter on lattice vibrations. Hook talks about it in the introduction of his treatment. Finally, this is one of the few solid state books out there that has ANSWERS to all the problems. This is very valuable when you need examples and to test your knowledge before an exam.
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