"This book on electrical, optical, magnetic, and thermal properties of materials differs from other introductory texts in solid-state physics. First, it is written for engineers, particularly materials and electrical engineers, who want to gain a fundamental understanding of semiconductor devices, magnetic materials, lasers, alloys, and so forth. Second, it stresses concepts rather than mathematical formalism, which should make the presentation relatively easy to read. Third, it is not an encyclopedia: The topics are restricted to material considered to be essential and that can be covered in one 15-week semester."--Jacket.