Electrons, Phonons, Magnons | M. I. Kaganov

It is a book about the methods of interpreting macroscopic effects,  about the  relationship between solid state physics and quantum  mechanics, about the creation and use of new concepts....  I have also pursued another goal—to "lift the veil" by explaining  how the results are obtained and not restricting the presentation  to an itemization of the results.

The book introduces the reader to the fascinating world of solid state physics as governed by quantum mechanics. It gives a clear exposition of the dynamics of the crystal lattice (propagation of waves, heat conduction and similar problems), of electric phenomena in crystals in conjunction with the properties of the lattice and of the magnetic properties of the crystals.

The author using almost no formulas, manages to give a complete explanation of the nature of phenomena. An attentive reader will find in this book a lot more than is found on the surface and will appreciate its very personal style.

The book was translated from the Russian by V. I Kissin and was first published by Mir in 1981.

Contents

Instead of an Introduction: Languages of Science 7

Chapter 1. On Physics in General and Quantum Mechanics in  Particular 13

Introduction to the Next Five Chapters: Solid State Physics 92

Chapter 2. Phonons 109

Chapter 3. Two Statistics 146

Chapter 4. Electrons 168

Chapter 5. Electrons and Phonons 190

Chapter 6. Magnons 222

Concluding Remarks 259