Author Description

The fifth edition of this renowned text is a particularly readable and accessible introduction to the fundamentals of the electrical properties of materials. As in past editions, this book provides an informative, up-to-date reference while retaining its original goal--to present a comprehensive introduction to the field. The book includes discussions emphasizing present and future applications in engineering, clear explanations of concepts that students find difficult, and an introduction to quantum mechanics. For this edition, the text has been updated and revised to reflect developments that have taken place over the past five years. Particular attention has been paid to developments in semiconductor technologies and to practical aspects of continuing miniaturization. In addition, new high temperature superconducting materials, developments in optical fibres and amplifiers, and magnetic materials are covered. Culled from the authors' popular and engaging lectures on the subject, this book deliberately keeps the mathematical treatment simple and well within the grasp of second-year engineering students. It remains a highly readable yet rigorous introduction to the subject for students in electrical and electronic engineering.