Customer Reviews

Many-Body Quantum Theory in Condensed Matter Physics: An Introduction (Oxford Graduate Texts)

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This book is exactly what a new student (with some training in basic grad courses in solid state, statistical mechanics, etc.) needs to grasp condensed matter physics without a "research-based bias." Todays programs are so focused on application that a thorough treatment of pedigogical materials get superfically taught. Philip Anderson warns about this in his timeless classic "Basic Notions." This book uses QFT in canonical picture (bootstraps), no mention of path integrals. I started out in HEP, so I got trained fairly well in path integrals, some may find this a barrier with the book. Luttinger theory is the most modern topic touched on, applications to materials science. I recommend Wen's book if you want to look at Quantum Hall Effects and Topological Orders (post 1980's).

This book offers a fairly decent, thorough treatment of solid state theory, while still being somewhat approachable. However, this book is not for the inexperienced. You should expect to spend lots of time looking up things in more introductory books.