The Physics and Chemistry of Solids

Rating:
Summary: A great cross-disciplinary book!
Review: I bought this book a few years ago, soon after it was published. In my opinion it is the best ever written book bridging solid-state chemistry and physics. It is clearly written and logically organized in 8 chapters (770 pages, index included):

1) Synthesis and preparation of materials;
2) Atomic structure and bonding;
3) Defects;
4) Atomic dynamics;
5) Electrons in solids;
6) Electron dynamics;
7) Dielectric and magnetic properties;
8) Reduced dimensionality.

Why is there a need for such a book? Traditionally the communities of solid-state physicists and chemists are splitted and, with rare exceptions, there is little communication and exchange among them. Broadly speaking, physicists like to see (and use) lot of mathematical formulae to study idealized systems whereas chemists like to concentrate their attention on both structural aspects and reactivity (ex. catalysis) of solids. Furthermore, the latter investigate far more complex solids (from the structural point of view) such as molecular crystals, which are characterized by intricated intermolecular interactions, while the former prefer to play with pure metals and semiconductors, which are characterized by a high degree of crystal symmetry and without defects. Each community has developed its own jargon and, hence, it remains difficult for someone to understand either. As a result, it is easy to stay playing in each other backyard, under the protection of solid fences. The negative aspect of this situation is that much of the interesting Science lies at interface of traditional disciplines. Yes, lot of efforts are necessary to jump over the fence and play in your neighbor's backyard; at the beginning you will feel (and fear!) his superiority but after a while you may come up with something new that neither him nor yourself could have ever discovered if remaining to play in the original field. Dr. Elliott's book helps those courageous scientists to jump over the fence and have a look into the neighbor's playground. Don't be afraid. Another book written with the same philosophy in mind is Springborg's "Methods of Electronic Structure Calculations".