This book consists of two parts. Part A (Chapters 1-3) is an introduction to the physics of conducting solids, while Part B (Chapters 4-10) is an introduction to the theory of electromagnetic fields and waves. The book is intended to introduce the student to classical electrodynamics and, at the same time, to explain in simple terms the quantum theory of conducting substances – in particular, the solid ones. Excessive mathematical proof is avoided as much as possible, in favor of pedagogical efficiency at an introductory level. The theory of vector fields is briefly discussed in a separate chapter, helping the student cope with the mathematical challenges of Maxwell's theory. The book serves as a primary source for a sophomore-level electromagnetics course in an electronics-oriented engineering program, but it can also be used as a secondary (tutorial) source for an intermediate-level course in electrodynamics for physicists and engineers. The content is based on the author’s lecture notes for his sophomore-level Physics course at the Hellenic Naval Academy.

"Optical Properties of 3d-Ions in Crystals: Spectroscopy and Crystal Field Analysis" discusses spectral, vibronic and magnetic properties of 3d-ions in a wide range of crystals, used as active media for solid state lasers and potential candidates for this role. Crystal field calculations (including first-principles calculations of energy levels and absorption spectra) and their comparison with experimental spectra, the Jahn-Teller effect, analysis of vibronic spectra, materials science applications are systematically presented. The book is intended for researchers and graduate students in crystal spectroscopy, materials science and optical applications. Dr. N.M. Avram is an Emeritus Professor at the Physics Department, West University of Timisoara, Romania; Dr. M.G. Brik is a Professor at the Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, Estonia.

This textbook is specifically tailored for undergraduate engineering courses offered in the junior year, providing a thorough understanding of solid state electronics without relying on the prerequisites of quantum mechanics. In contrast to most solid state electronics texts currently available, with their generalized treatments of the same topics, this is the first text to focus exclusively and in meaningful detail on introductory material. The original text has already been in use for 10 years. In this new edition, additional problems have been added at the end of most chapters. These problems are meant not only to review the material covered in the chapter, but also to introduce some aspects not covered in the text.An amended Solutions Manual is in preparation.