Modern Physics

Intended for a first course in modern physics, following an introductory course in physics with calculus, Modern Physics for Scientists and Engineers begins with a brief and focused account of the historical events leading to the formulation of modern quantum theory, while later chapters delve into the underlying physics. Streamlined content, chapters on semiconductors, Dirac Equation and Quantum Field Theory, and a robust pedagogy and ancillary package including an accompanying website with computer applets assists students in learning the essential material.

• Develops modern quantum mechanical ideas systematically and uses these ideas consistently throughout the book


• Carefully considers fundamental subjects such as transition probabilities, crystal structure, reciprocal lattices, and Bloch theorem which are fundamental to any treatment of lasers and semiconductor devices


• Uses applets which make it possible to consider real physical systems such as many-electron atoms and semi-conductor devices

1. The Wave-Particle Duality


2. The Schrodinger Wave Equation


3. Operators and Waves


4. Hydrogen Aton


5. Many-Electron Atoms


6. The Emergence of Masers and Lasers


7. Statistical Physics


8. Electronic Structure of Solids


9. Charge Carriers in Semiconductors


10. Semiconductor Lasers


11. Relativity I


12. Relativity II


13. Particles Physics


14. Nuclear Physics

Appendix A: Natural Constants and Conversion Constants

Appendix B: Table of Atomic Masses

Appendix C: Solution of the Oscillator Equation

Appendix D: The Average Value of the Momentum

Appendix E: The Hartree-Fock Applet

Appendix F: Integrals that Arise in Statistical Physics

Appendix G: The ABINIT Applet