Condensed Matter Physics

Condensed matter physics constitutes nowadays an enormous field of knowledge. To write a good textbook covering all main topics in that field in a suitable way and in a reasonable volume is very hard indeed. I believe Michael Marder has achieved this goal with great success. The text is arranged in six parts. Part I describes the atomic structure of crystals, surfaces and interfaces, and complex structures, such as alloys, liquids, glasses, liquid crystals, polymers and quasicrystals. Commonly boring geometrical crystallographic problems are shown in an interesting and clear way using the symmetries point of view. It is valuable that the basic experimental techniques for studying atomic structure of condensed matter are also reviewed. Part II deals with the electronic structure of solids, presenting different approaches from the single-electron model, through nearly free and tightly bound electrons to the electron--electron interactions. This part also includes a brief but essential survey of typical numerical methods of band structure calculations, relevant and understandable, I think, for experimentalists. Mechanical properties of solids and fluids are the topic considered in part III. Cohesion of solids and phonons is discussed thoroughly. Part IV is devoted to electron transport phenomena in various materials and structures, described mainly in terms of Boltzmann theory. Here there are some contemporary hot topics, like giant magnetoresistance, electron quantum interference in quantum point contact and properties of quantum dots (integer and fractional quantum Hall effects are mentioned in part VI). I think that due to the increasing importance of reduced dimensionality of semiconductor structures it would be worth drawing more attention to quantum transport description methods. Optical properties of semiconductors, insulators and metals, with elements of optoelectronics, are widely discussed on the base of phenomenological theories in part V. Part VI presents magnetic properties of condensed matter. Magnetism, magnetic ordering and magnetic moments interaction are described in the frame of classical theories of magnetism as well as quantum mechanics theories. Special attention is paid to the phenomenology and theory of superconductivity including high-temperature superconductors. Each chapter is followed by a set of very instructive and educative problems and is completed by interesting, specially selected references to the original literature. This book is distinguished from others in this field of physics by its comprehensiveness, pedagogic approach and easy reading. I can thoroughly recommend it to students, graduates and teachers from university departments of physics, material science, electronic and electrical engineering. I would even say that everyone who is interested more deeply in the exciting world of matter should have this book on their library shelf. I have enjoyed reading and reviewing this book very much indeed.