Optical Properties of Solids covers the important concepts of intrinsic optical properties and photoelectric emission. The book starts by providing an introduction to the fundamental optical spectra of solids. The text then discusses Maxwell's equations and the dielectric function; absorption and dispersion; and the theory of free-electron metals. The quantum mechanical theory of direct and indirect transitions between bands; the applications of dispersion relations; and the derivation of an expression for the dielectric function in the self-consistent field approximation are also encompassed. The book further tackles current-current correlations; the fluctuation-dissipation theorem; and the effect of surface plasmons on optical properties and photoemission. People involved in the study of the optical properties of solids will find the book invaluable.

This book contains advanced subjects in solid state physics with emphasis on the theoretical exposition of various physical phenomena in solids using quantum theory, hence entitled "A modern course in the quantum theory of solids." The use of the adjective "modern" in the title is to reflect the fact that some of the new developments in condensed matter physics have been included in the book. The new developments contained in the book are mainly in experimental methods (inelastic neutron scattering and photoemission spectroscopy), in magnetic properties of solids (the itinerant magnetism, the superexchange, the Hubbard model, and giant and colossal magnetoresistance), and in optical properties of solids (Raman scattering). Besides the new developments, the Green's function method used in many-body physics and the strong-coupling theory of superconductivity are also expounded in great details.

For final year undergraduates and graduate students in physics, this book offers an up-to-date treatment of the optical properties of solid state materials.

Electrons in Solids, Second Edition: An Introductory Survey introduces the reader to electrons in solids and covers topics ranging from particles and waves to the free electron model, energy bands, and junctions. Optical and electrical properties are also discussed, along with magnetic properties. The wavelike properties of all of matter are chosen as an integrating theme into which to weave such themes as crystal lattice vibrations (with their effect on electron mobility and electrical and thermal conductivity), electromagnetic waves (with their effect on optical reflection and absorption), and electronic transport in solids (with its dependence on the wavelike properties of electrons). This book is comprised of 11 chapters and begins with an overview of particles and waves, together with classical views of electrons, light, and energy. The general properties of waves are then discussed, with particular reference to traveling waves, standing waves, transverse waves, and longitudinal waves. Lattice waves, light waves, and matter waves are also considered. The reader is also introduced to wave equations, boundary conditions, and general wave properties. The remaining chapters are devoted to optical, electrical, and magnetic properties as well as junctions, including metal-metal junctions, metal-semiconductor junctions, and metal-semiconductor junctions. This monograph is intended for undergraduates and first-year graduate students with a background primarily in materials science, metallurgy, or one of the other engineering disciplines.

This book is an account of the manner in which the optical phenomena observed from solids relate to their fundamental properties. Written at the graduate level, it attempts a threefold purpose: an indication of the breadth of the subject, an in-depth examination of important areas, and a text for a two-semester course. The first two chapters present introductory theory as a foundation for subsequent reading. The following ten chapters broadly concern electronic properties associated with semiconductors ranging from narrow to wide energy gap materials. Lattice properties are examined in the remaining chap ters, in which effects governed by phonons in perfect crystals, point defects, their vibrational and electronic spectra, and electron-phonon interactions are stressed. Fun and hard work, both in considerable measure, have gone into the preparation of this volume. At the University of Freiburg, W. Germany, from August 7-20, 1966, the occasion of a NATO Advanced Study Institute on "The Optical Properties of Solids," the authors of these various chapters lectured for the Institute; this volume provides essentially the "Proceed ings" of that meeting. Many major revisions of original lectures (contrac tions and enlargements) were required for better organization and presentation of the subject matter. Several abbreviated chapters appear mainly to indicate the importance of their contents in optical properties research and to indicate recently published books that provide ample coverage. We are indebted to many people: the authors for their efforts and patience; our host at the University of Freiburg, the late Professor Dr.