You cannot understand a topological insulator until you truly understand the Bloch Hamiltonian. You cannot grasp high-Tc cuprates without mastering the Hubbard model, which Kittel introduces via the tight-binding approximation.
It covers the "heavy hitters" of many-body physics—second quantization, electron-electron interactions, superconductivity (BCS theory), and magnons. The Style: quantum theory of solids kittel pdf best
Treats as collective excitations. Culminates in the BCS theory of superconductivity. Part 2: Fermi Surfaces and Group Theory Examines electron wave functions and Fermi surfaces . You cannot understand a topological insulator until you
When searching for the PDF on quantum theory of solids, you might encounter alternatives: Ashcroft & Mermin, Marder, or Girvin & Yang. Why does Kittel still reign supreme for a specific audience? The Style: Treats as collective excitations
Quantum theory treats vibrations in a crystal as particles called phonons. Kittel provides the foundational math for thermal conductivity and heat capacity (the Debye and Einstein models). 3. The Free Electron Fermi Gas