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An Introduction to Crystal Physics

(Description of the Physical Properties of Crystals)

Ervin Hartmann

Research Laboratory for Crystal Physics, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest

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Introduction
2. Physical Properties as Tensors
3. The Intrinsic Symmetry of the Physical Properties
4. Neumann's Principle
5. The Value of a Physical Property in a Given Direction
6. Higher Order Effects
7. Description of the Physical Properties in Matrix Notation
8. Curie's Principle
Acknowledgments and References

Teaching Aims

The teaching aim of this booklet is to give an overall view about crystal physics without the separate discussion of the individual physical properties of crystals. It may be called `Essential Crystal Physics'.

Crystal physics is based on physics, crystallography and mathematics. Therefore this booklet is suitable for advanced undergraduates or initial postgraduates who are already acquainted with the elements of solid state physics, of crystallography and of vector calculations. According to the author's experience, 4-6 hours are sufficient to form a true notion of the essentials of crystal physics for non-specialists in that field.

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