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Condensed matter physics for mathematicians

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What is a good way for me to learn the basics of condensed matter physics? I'd like to get a better understanding of the fundamentals behind recent technological developments like OLEDs, applications of graphene, or get a grip on what the fractional hall effect is about. I don't expect to do research in these areas, but I would like to be able to have meaningful conversations with people working in these areas.

My background is this: I have a PhD in pure mathematics, I even studied a little solid state physics (eg. Bloch waves), QFT and a first course in String Theory, but a long time ago now. My mathematics is much stronger than my physics intuition so I'm looking for a more mathematical treatment. My lab experience is precisely zero. I'm more interested in the theoretical ideas than precise details.

Are there any books or downloadable lecture notes that might be recommended for someone in my position?

This post imported from StackExchange Physics at 2014-03-24 05:12 (UCT), posted by SE-user Dan Piponi

asked Nov 9, 2011 in Resources and References by Dan Piponi (100 points) [ revision history ]
recategorized Apr 24, 2014 by dimension10

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1 Answer

Here are some online lecture notes by Chetan Nayak which look pretty good:

Introductory: http://www.physics.ucla.edu/~nayak/solid_state.pdf

More advanced: http://www.physics.ucla.edu/~nayak/many_body.pdf

This post imported from StackExchange Physics at 2014-03-24 05:12 (UCT), posted by SE-user user1631

answered Nov 9, 2011 by user1631 (60 points) [ no revision ]

That first one looks within my grasp. Thanks.

This post imported from StackExchange Physics at 2014-03-24 05:12 (UCT), posted by SE-user Dan Piponi

commented Nov 11, 2011 by Dan Piponi (100 points) [ no revision ]

The links don't seem to work anymore. Would it be possible to update them? I haven't managed to find these texts. thanks

commented May 28, 2020 by Evan (0 points) [ no revision ]

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