Solid state science is the study of matter, specifically of solid systems. The field encompasses materials science, solid state chemistry, solid state physics and parts of electrical engineering. In this book, Kelly Morrison presents a comprehensive overview of the various characterisation techniques involved in solid state research. The generalised approach offers a deeper understanding of the benefits, drawbacks and overlap within different characterisation techniques. The book examines techniques within diffraction, microscopy and spectroscopy, and discusses thermal, electric and magnetic characterisation. It also provides a background to general physics, including atomic theory, general optics, Fourier transforms, magnetism, and crystallographic notation, equipping readers with the knowledge they need to understand solid state science techniques.