Introduction to the Electronic Properties of Materials

There has been an unprecedented growth of interest in the electronic properties of materials over the past thirty years. This text provides a complete and structured approach to the understanding and description of the various properties of materials which are dependent on their electronic structure. The main objective is to provide an understanding of the diverse range of electronic materials and their properties. The text begins with simple definitions to qualify the properties of interest before describing the elementary underlying physics of electrons in materials. The electrical, thermal, magnetic and optical properties are then explained on the basis of electrons in materials. Finally, the engineering applications of these materials in microelectronics, optoelectronics, magnetic recording, superconductivity, transducers and radiation detection are discussed, with the description of the applications of each of these important technological areas carefully related to the underlying explanations given earlier in the text. Each chapter contains numerous problems and complete worked solutions to each problem are given in the appendices. As with the author's previous text, "Introduction to Magnetic Materials", the subject area under discussion is multidisciplinary, spanning the traditional subject areas of physics, electrical engineering and materials science. The presentation should be of interest to two groups of students: those who have a primary interest in electronic materials and who need an introductory text as a stepping stone to more advanced texts; and those whose primary interest lies elsewhere but who would nevertheless benefit from a broad knowledge of the subject. Practising engineers in related industries seeking a comprehensive overview of the subject will also find this text invaluable