Electrodynamics of Solids
Optical Properties of Electrons in Matter

A graduate-level book about the propagation of electromagnetic fields and their interaction with condensed matter.

Martin Dressel (Author), George Grüner (Author)

9780521592536, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 17 January 2002

488 pages, 159 b/w illus.
25.5 x 18 x 3 cm, 1.149 kg

'Optics is a multidisciplinary subject with impact on many other branches of physics and engineering. … In this, they have succeeded admirably, providing an up-to-date monograph which includes many useful topics that are not covered in the more standard texts. … an interesting useful book.' Contemporary Physics

The authors of this book present a thorough discussion of the optical properties of solids, with a focus on electron states and their response to electrodynamic fields. A review of the fundamental aspects of the propagation of electromagnetic fields, and their interaction with condensed matter, is given. This is followed by a discussion of the optical properties of metals, semiconductors, and collective states of solids such as superconductors. Theoretical concepts, measurement techniques and experimental results are covered in three interrelated sections. Well-established, mature fields are discussed (for example, classical metals and semiconductors) together with modern topics at the focus of current interest. The substantial reference list included will also prove to be a valuable resource for those interested in the electronic properties of solids. The book is intended for use by advanced undergraduate and graduate students, and researchers active in the fields of condensed matter physics, materials science and optical engineering.

1. Introduction
Part I. Concepts and Properties: 2. The interaction of radiation with matter
3. General properties of the optical constants
4. The medium: correlation and response functions
5. Metals
6. Semiconductors
7. Broken-symmetry states of metals
Part II. Methods: 8. Techniques: general considerations
9. Propagation and scattering of electromagnetic waves
10. Spectroscopic principles
11. Measurement configurations
Part III. Experiments: 12. Metals
13. Semiconductors
14. Broken-symmetry states of metals
Appendix A. Fourier and Laplace transformation
Appendix B. Medium of finite thickness
Appendix C. k.p perturbation theory
Appendix D. Sum rules
Appendix E. Non-local response
Appendix F. Dielectric response in reduced dimensions
Appendix G. Important constants and units.

Subject Areas: Applied optics [TTB], Condensed matter physics [liquid state & solid state physics PHFC]