Solid State Physics

Solid state physics is the branch of condensed matter physics that studies the physical properties of rigid, solid materials. It primarily focuses on crystalline solids, where atoms are arranged in a highly ordered, repeating lattice structure. By applying principles of quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, and statistical mechanics, this field explains how the collective interactions of atoms give rise to the large-scale electrical, magnetic, optical, and thermal properties of materials, forming the theoretical foundation for modern electronics and materials science.

  1. Introduction to Solid State Physics
    1. Historical Development
      1. Early Discoveries in Crystallography
        1. Development of Quantum Mechanics Applications
          1. Modern Solid State Physics Era
          2. Scope and Applications
            1. Electronic Devices and Technology
              1. Materials Science Applications
                1. Energy Applications
                  1. Quantum Technologies
                  2. States of Matter in Solids
                    1. Crystalline State
                      1. Long-Range Order
                        1. Translational Symmetry
                          1. Rotational Symmetry
                            1. Examples of Crystalline Materials
                            2. Amorphous State
                              1. Lack of Long-Range Order
                                1. Short-Range Order
                                  1. Glass Transition
                                    1. Examples of Amorphous Materials
                                    2. Polycrystalline Materials
                                      1. Grain Structure
                                        1. Grain Boundaries
                                        2. Single Crystals
                                          1. Growth Methods
                                            1. Properties and Applications
                                          2. Classification by Bonding
                                            1. Covalent Bonding
                                              1. Directional Nature
                                                1. Hybridization
                                                  1. Diamond Structure
                                                    1. Silicon and Germanium
                                                    2. Ionic Bonding
                                                      1. Electrostatic Interactions
                                                        1. Madelung Energy
                                                          1. Sodium Chloride
                                                            1. Cesium Chloride
                                                            2. Metallic Bonding
                                                              1. Electron Sea Model
                                                                1. Delocalized Electrons
                                                                  1. Copper and Aluminum
                                                                  2. Van der Waals Bonding
                                                                    1. London Dispersion Forces
                                                                      1. Dipole Interactions
                                                                        1. Noble Gas Solids
                                                                        2. Hydrogen Bonding
                                                                          1. Directional Character
                                                                            1. Ice Structure
                                                                              1. Organic Crystals