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Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics: Volume 1

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This book was written by two respected Chinese physicists. It tries to give a coherent account to the whole subject of condensed matter physics. To do this, it builds up an unified framework based upon concepts such as elementary excitations, topological defects, broken symmetry, rigidity, emergent phenomena, collective phenomena, coherence, localization, etc. In the first part, authors discuss thoroughly the structure of matter in condensed phase, which is not readily available in other texts on condensed matter physics. In the second part, authors focus on wave behavior in condensed matter systems with different structures. Things like electrons, phonons, photons in periodic or quasiperiodic systems are discussed. This part has also covered topics like surface and impurity effects, transport, tunneling, and Anderson localization. The third part introduce bond and band approaches to electronic structures of materials. Two other chapters in this part are given to correlated electron systems and nanostructures like quantum well/wire/dots, respectively. The fourth part is the last part of this volume, which covers phase transition and various ordered phases. Landau theory is introduced and applied to liquid crystals and other systems. Magnetism, superconductivity, and superfluidity are discussed. Finally, a chapter on broken ergodicity is included, which is an important concept to the phase transitions that are not directly related to broken symmetry.

Overall, this book is a great introduction to condensed matter physics. It can also serves as a reference for research physicists. Many discussions in the book are illuminating. The book is well organized. The framework taken in the book is very helpful for graduate students to gain a deeper and wider understanding of condensed matter physics as a whole. In one word, this book is highly recommended for those who want to study condensed matter physics.