P. Hofmann, Solid State Physics, An Introduction, Wiley 2008

This new edition of the well-received introduction to solid-state physics provides a comprehensive overview of the basic theoretical and experimental concepts of materials science. Experimental aspects and laboratory details are highlighted in separate panels that enrich text and emphasize recent developments.

Spectroscopic methods have opened up a new horizon in our knowledge of solid-state materials. Numerous techniques using electromagnetic radiation or charged and neutral particles have been invented and worked out to a high level in order to provide more detailed information on the solids.

This textbook provides a didactic introduction to the topic of group theory in physics, with a special focus on solid state physics issues. The book is useful for students who encounter such problems in their first scientific work (in theory or experiment). In addition to the basic introduction to group theory and representation theory, the book deals with point groups, double point groups, and space groups, which are essential in solid state physics. As an example for systems with space group symmetry, electrons in periodic potentials are discussed.