Disordered materials

More about the book

The teaching of solid state physics primarily focuses on crystals and their properties, allowing for elegant analyses of spatially periodic systems. This approach simplifies the study by using a small set of atoms to represent larger systems. In contrast, the study of structurally disordered condensed systems is more complex, often yielding imprecise results and requiring significant experimental and computational effort. Consequently, most university textbooks, including advanced courses, only briefly address the physics of amorphous systems. However, the fundamental importance and increasing industrial applications of structurally disordered matter cannot be overlooked. Research into amorphous solids, their structure, stability, and properties is a dynamic field, essential for physicists, chemists, and engineers working with materials. The author of this course book, developed for the Politecnico in Milan, faced considerable challenges in compiling the material, necessitating the creation of tailored didactic resources. The ongoing interaction between teacher and students has shaped the current version of the book, reflecting the evolving understanding of disordered matter.