This book is an account of the manner in which the optical phenomena
observed from solids relate to their fundamental properties. Written at
the graduate level, it attempts a threefold purpose: an indication of
the breadth of the subject, an in-depth examination of important areas,
and a text for a two-semester course. The first two chapters present
introductory theory as a foundation for subsequent reading. The
following ten chapters broadly concern electronic properties associated
with semiconductors ranging from narrow to wide energy gap materials.
Lattice properties are examined in the remaining chap- ters, in which
effects governed by phonons in perfect crystals, point defects, their
vibrational and electronic spectra, and electron-phonon interactions are
stressed. Fun and hard work, both in considerable measure, have gone
into the preparation of this volume. At the University of Freiburg, W.
Germany, from August 7-20, 1966, the occasion of a NATO Advanced Study
Institute on "The Optical Properties of Solids," the authors of these
various chapters lectured for the Institute; this volume provides
essentially the "Proceed- ings" of that meeting. Many major revisions of
original lectures (contrac- tions and enlargements) were required for
better organization and presentation of the subject matter. Several
abbreviated chapters appear mainly to indicate the importance of their
contents in optical properties research and to indicate recently
published books that provide ample coverage. We are indebted to many
people: the authors for their efforts and patience; our host at the
University of Freiburg, the late Professor Dr.
