Optical Properties of Solids

Abstract

The organization of a solid-state course may vary towards its middle or end. Logical beginnings are fairly easy. One defines the solid-state universe, and this is done with a section on crystal structures and how they are determined. Then one introduces the main players, and so there are sections on lattice vibrations, phonons, band structure, and electrons. Following this, one can present topics based on the interaction of electrons and phonons and hence discuss, for example, transport. After that come specific materials (semiconductors, magnetic materials, metals, and superconductors) and properties (dielectric, optic, defect, surface, etc.). The problem is that some of these categories overlap so that a clean separation is not possible. Optical properties, in particular, seem to spread into many areas, so a well-focused segment on the optical properties of solids can be somewhat tricky to put together.