The aim of this text is to provide some insight into chemical defects in crystalline solids. Chemical defects, which are mistakes or changes in the atomic make-up of the crystals, have far-reaching effects on the composition, optical properties and electronic properties of materials. The area is therefore of relevance to chemists, physicists, materials scientists and engineers. The book has been designed to be read by students with no prior knowledge of the subject, but with a background in basic chemistry and physics. It begins with relatively simple ideas but progresses into a discussion of...

• Provides a thorough understanding of the chemistry and physics of defects, enabling the reader to manipulate them in the engineering of materials.
• Reinforces theoretical concepts by placing emphasis on real world processes and applications.
• Includes two kinds of end-of-chapter problems: multiple choice (to test knowledge of terms and principles) and more extensive exercises and calculations (to build skills and understanding).
• Supplementary material on crystallography and band structure are included in separate appendices.