Just the Basics of Solid State Physics

Understanding of the solid state has transformed our world in many ways. This understanding led to our present day computers, cell phones and a million other products that were unimagineable before: tiny electronic circuits on a wafer of silicon, diode lasers, other solid state lasers, and new materials with properties that just don't occur in nature. These notes are my attempt to organize what I have learned about the subject.

Metals

Classical Theory of Metals

Quantum Theory of Metals

Band Theory of Metals

Crystal Structures

Reciprocal Lattice

X-Ray Diffraction

Lattice Vibrations

Conductivity

Semiconductors

p-n Junctions

Devices

Optical Processes in Solids

Superconductors