Synopses & Reviews
This reader-friendly introduction to the theory that underlies the many fascinating properties of solids assumes only an elementary knowledge of quantum mechanics. Taylor and Heinonen describe the methods for performing calculations and making predictions of some of the many complex phenomena that occur in solids and quantum liquids. Their book, aimed at advanced undergraduates and beginning graduate students, leads the reader from the fundamental behavior of electrons and atoms in solids to the most recently explored manifestations of the quantum nature of condensed matter.
Review
"Taylor and Heinonen have prepared a fine graduate-level introduction to the traditional core of condensed matter physics, the quantum theory of solids... Taylor's book is a worthwhile addition for any university with a graduate program in condensed matter physics of related fields." Choice
Table of Contents
1. Semiclassical introduction; 2. Second quantization and the electron gas; 3. Boson systems; 4. One-electron theory; 5. Density functional theory; 6. Electron-phonon interactions; 7. Superconductivity; 8. Semiclassical theory of conductivity in metals; 9. Mesoscopic systems; 10. The quantum Hall effect; 11. Kondo effect and heavy fermions.