International Series of Monographs on Physics

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Latest release: January 4, 2024
Series
64
Books

About this ebook series

Superconductivity has become one of the most intensely studied physical phenomena of our times, with tremendous potential to revolutionize fields as diverse as computing and transportation. This book describes the methods, established results, and recent advances in the field. The goal is to present recently developed theoretical models in light of the long-sought aim of achieving the effect at very high temperatures. The book includes a detailed review of various mechanisms, including phononic, magnetic, and electronic models. The authors focus on the phenomenon of induced superconductivity in the high-temperature oxides, particularly the high-transition-temperature cuprates. They also discuss a variety of low-temperature superconducting systems in conventional materials and organics. The book links the crucial experiments with the most current theories, offering a unified description of the phenomenon. All researchers (and graduate-level) students involved with work in superconductivity will find this an invaluable resource, including solid-state and condensed-matter physicists and chemists, and materials scientists.
Mechanisms of Conventional and High Tc Superconductivity
Book 84 · Jun 1993 ·
0.0
Superconductivity has become one of the most intensely studied physical phenomena of our times, with tremendous potential to revolutionize fields as diverse as computing and transportation. This book describes the methods, established results, and recent advances in the field. The goal is to present recently developed theoretical models in light of the long-sought aim of achieving the effect at very high temperatures. The book includes a detailed review of various mechanisms, including phononic, magnetic, and electronic models. The authors focus on the phenomenon of induced superconductivity in the high-temperature oxides, particularly the high-transition-temperature cuprates. They also discuss a variety of low-temperature superconducting systems in conventional materials and organics. The book links the crucial experiments with the most current theories, offering a unified description of the phenomenon. All researchers (and graduate-level) students involved with work in superconductivity will find this an invaluable resource, including solid-state and condensed-matter physicists and chemists, and materials scientists.
The Quantum Theory of Radiation
Book 86 · Dec 1995 ·
4.0
This book is unique in covering phenomena in photon- matter interactions in a unified way over a range of many orders in energy. The quantum field theoretic approach to the fully relativistic theory of quantum electrodynamics (QED) is presented together with the non- relativistic theory in both confined and unconfined geometries. The predictions of QED have been verified to a greater accuracy than any other physical theory. Moreover QED is a paradigm for other gauge theories and is presented in such a way that the generalisation to other gauge theories is natural. Gauge and Poincare symmetry properties and the non-existence of a photon wave function are thoroughly discussed. Starting from the Dirac equation the non-relativistic interaction of the electron with the electromagnetic field is derived as an effective Hamiltonian of multipole expansions. Much of quantum optics is based on the lowest order dipole approximation. From this point on the treatment of fully relativistic QED and quantum optics is done in parallel. Applications of perturbation theory such as Compton and Moller scattering and the theory photdetection are given. After the impressive successes of QED, the limitation of the theory and the necessity of electroweak theory and quantumchromodynamics are discussed. The remaining chapters are devoted to quantum optics inside cavaties. Various approaches to open systems such as master equations are discussed within the context of active systems (e.g. the laser) and passive systems. Semi- classical approximarions are shown to imply a rich non- linear dynamics including chaos for certain parameter regimes. The effect of fluctuations on such non-linear dynamics is also studied. The final chapter is devoted to highly non- classical states of the light field such as photon number, squeezed and two photon entangled states. The latter are studied for the important system of parametric down conversion and the localisation properties of photons are characterised in terms of asympotic tails in photodetection probabilities as a function of time delay. The range of the book has wider benefits. Workers in quantum optics will gain a deeper understanding of the foundations of their subject and field theorists will see concrete examples of open systems, which are beginning to impinge on fundamental theories.
Quaternionic Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Fields
Book 88 · Apr 1995 ·
0.0
It has been known since the 1930s that quantum mechanics can be formulated in quaternionic as well as complex Hilbert space. But systematic work on the quaternionic extension of standard quantum mechanics has scarcely begun. Authored by a world-renowned theoretical physicist, this book signals a major conceptual advance and gives a detailed development and exposition of quaternionic quantum mechanics for the purpose of determining whether quaternionic Hilbert space is the appropriate arena for the long sought-after unification of the standard model forces with gravitation. Significant results from earlier literature, together with many new results obtained by the author, are integrated to give a coherent picture of the subject. The book also provides an introduction to the problem of formulating quantum field theories in quaternionic Hilbert space. The book concludes with a chapter devoted to discussions on where quaternionic quantum mechanics may fit into the physics of unification, experimental and measurement theory issues, and the many open questions that still challenge the field. This well-written treatise is a very significant contribution to theoretical physics. It will be eagerly read by a wide range of physicists.
Physics of Ferromagnetism: Edition 2
Book 94 · Apr 2009 ·
4.3
This book is intended as a textbook for students and researchers interested in the physical aspects of ferromagnetism. The level of presentation assumes only a basic knowledge of electromagnetic theory and atomic physics and a general familiarity with rather elementary mathematics. Throughout the book the emphasis is primarily on explanations of physical concepts rather than on rigorous theoretical treatments which require a background in quantum mechanics and high level mathematics. The purpose of this book is to give a general view of magnetic phenomena, focusing it's main interest at the centre of the broad field of ferromagnetism, ranging from theory to the engineering applications such as soft and hard magnetic materials and magnetic memories. Substantially different from the author's previous book Physics of Magnetism published in 1964, the present edition is neatly organized and includes more recent developments.
Atomic Physics in Hot Plasmas
Book 97 · Aug 1998 ·
0.0
The aim of this book is to provide the reader with a coherent and updated comprehensive treatise that covers the central subjects of the field. The style and content is suitable both for students and researchers. Highlights of the book include (among many others) the Ion-Sphere model, statistical models, Average-Atom model, emission spectrum, unresolved transition arrays, supertransition arrays, radiation transport, escape factors and x-ray lasers.
Mathematical Theory of Quantum Fields
Book 101 · Oct 1999 ·
0.0
This is an introduction to the mathematical foundations of quantum field theory, using operator algebraic methods and emphasizing the link between the mathematical formulations and related physical concepts. It starts with a general probabilistic description of physics, which encompasses both classical and quantum physics. The basic key physical notions are clarified at this point. It then introduces operator algebraic methods for quantum theory, and goes on to discuss the theory of special relativity, scattering theory, and sector theory in this context.
Theory of Itinerant Electron Magnetism
Book 106 · Mar 2017 ·
0.0
This book, in the broadest sense, is an application of quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics to the field of magnetism. Under certain well described circumstances, an immensely large number of electrons moving in the solid state of matter will collectively produce permanent magnetism. Permanent magnets are of fundamental interest, and magnetic materials are also of great practical importance as they provide a large field of technological applications. The physical details describing the many electron problem of magnetism are presented in this book on the basis of the local density functional approximation. The emphasis is on realistic magnets, for which the equations describing the many electron problem can only be solved by using computers. The great, recent and continuing improvements of computers are, to a large extent, responsible for the progress in the field. Along with a detailed introduction to the density functional theory, this book presents representative computational methods and provides the reader with a complete computer programme for the determination of the electronic structure of a magnet on a PC. A large part of the book is devoted to a detailed treatment of the connections between electronic properties and magnetism, and how they differ in the various known magnetic systems. Current trends are exposed and explained for a large class of alloys and compounds. The modern field of artificially layered systems - known as multilayers - and their industrial applications are dealt with in detail. Finally, an attempt is made to relate the rich thermodynamic properties of magnets to the ab initio results originating from the electronic structure.
Theory of Nonequilibrium Superconductivity
Book 110 · May 2001 ·
0.0
This is the first text on the modern theory of superconductivity. It deals with the behaviour of superconductors in external fields varying in time, and with transport phenomena in superconductors. The book starts with the fundamentals of the first-principle, microscopic theory of superconductivity, and guides the reader through the modern theoretical analysis directly to applications of the theory to practical problems. The reader of this book will learn about the methods of quantum field theory applied to nonstationary superconductivity in their most advanced formulation, namely about the so-called semi-classical version of the real-time Green's function technique applied to the celebrated Bardeen, Cooper, and Schrieffer model of superconductivity. A considerable part of the book is devoted to vortex dynamics, dealing with the behaviour of superconductors in the most practical situation when they carry electric currents in the presence of a magnetic field.
Brownian Motion: Fluctuations, Dynamics, and Applications
Book 112 · Oct 2008 ·
0.0
Brownian motion - the incessant motion of small particles suspended in a fluid - is an important topic in statistical physics and physical chemistry. This book studies its origin in molecular scale fluctuations, its description in terms of random process theory and also in terms of statistical mechanics. A number of new applications of these descriptions to physical and chemical processes, as well as statistical mechanical derivations and the mathematical background are discussed in detail. Graduate students, lecturers, and researchers in statistical physics and physical chemistry will find this an interesting and useful reference work.
Quantum Chromodynamics: High Energy Experiments and Theory
Book 115 · Feb 2003 ·
0.0
This book provides an introduction to Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD), the theory of strong interactions. It covers in full detail both the theoretical foundations and the experimental tests of the theory. Although the experimental chapters focus on recent measurements, the subject is placed into historical perspective by also summarizing the steps which lead to the formulation of QCD. Measurements are discussed as they were performed by the LEP experiments at CERN, or at hadron-hadron and lepton-hadron colliders such as the TEVATRON at Fermilab and HERA at DESY. Emphasis is placed on high energy tests of QCD, such as measurements of the strong coupling constant, investigations of the non-abelian structure of the underlying gauge group, determinations of nucleon structure functions, and studies of the non-perturbative hadronization process. This excellent text gives a detailed overview of how QCD developed in the 20th century and where we stand with respect to a quantitative understanding after the turn of the millenium. The text is intended for graduate and postgraduate students as well as researchers, and includes numerous problems and solutions.
The Universe in a Helium Droplet
Book 117 · Mar 2003 ·
0.0
There are fundamental relations between three vast areas of physics: particle physics, cosmology and condensed matter physics. The fundamental links between the first two areas, in other words, between micro- and macro- worlds, have been well established. There is a unified system of laws governing the scales from subatomic particles to the Cosmos and this principle is widely exploited in the description of the physics of the early Universe. The main goal of this book is to establish and define the connection of these two fields with condensed matter physics. According to the modern view, elementary particles (electrons, neutrinos, quarks, etc.) are excitations of a more fundamental medium called the quantum vacuum. This is the new 'aether' of the 21st Century. Electromagnetism, gravity, and the fields transferring weak and strong interactions all represent different types of the collective motion of the quantum vacuum. Among the existing condensed matter systems, a quantum liquid called superfluid 3He-A most closely represents the quantum vacuum. Its quasiparticles are very similar to the elementary particles, while the collective modes of the liquid are very similar to electromagnetic and gravitational fields, and the quanta of these collective modes are analogues of photons and gravitons. The fundamental laws of physics, such as the laws of relativity (Lorentz invariance) and gauge invariance, arise when the temperature of the quantum liquid decreases. This book is written for graduate students and researchers in all areas of physics.
Quantum Physics in One Dimension
Book 121 · Dec 2003 ·
0.0
This book presents in a pedagogical yet complete way correlated systems in one dimension. Recent progress in nanotechnology and material research have made one dimensional systems a crucial part of today's physics. After an introduction to the basic concepts of correlated systems, the book gives a step by step description of the techniques needed to treat one dimension, and discusses the resulting physics. Then specific experimental realizations of one dimensional systems such as spin chains, quantum wires, nanotubes, organic superconductors etc. are examined. Given its progressive and pedagogical approach, this book should satisfy both graduate students who want to learn the tools of the trade and become professionals in the field as well as more advanced researchers who want to know more about the physics of a specific one dimensional system without unnecessary technicalities.
Path Integrals and Quantum Anomalies
Book 122 · Apr 2004 ·
0.0
The Feynman path integrals are becoming increasingly important in the applications of quantum mechanics and field theory. The path integral formulation of quantum anomalies, i.e. the quantum breaking of certain symmetries, can now cover all the known quantum anomalies in a coherent manner. In this book the authors provide an introduction to the path integral method in quantum field theory and its applications to the analyses of quantum anomalies. No previous knowledge of field theory beyond advanced undergraduate quantum mechanics is assumed. The book provides the first coherent introductory treatment of the path integral formulation of chiral and Weyl anomalies, with applications to gauge theory in two and four dimensions, conformal field theory and string theory. Explicit and elementary path integral calculations of most of the quantum anomalies covered are given. The conceptual basis of the path integral bosonization in two-dimensional theory, which may have applications to condensed matter theory, for example, is clarified. The book also covers the recent interesting developments in the treatment of fermions and chiral anomalies in lattice gauge theory.
Plasma Spectroscopy
Book 123 · Jun 2004 ·
0.0
This book focuses on the characteristics of optical radiation, or a spectrum, emitted by various plasmas. In plasma, the same atomic species can produce quite different spectra, or colours, depending on the nature of the plasma. This book gives a theoretical framework by which a particular spectrum can be interpreted correctly and coherently. The uniqueness of the book lies in its comprehensive treatment of the intensity distribution of spectral lines and the population density distribution among the atomic levels in plasmas. It is intended to provide beginners with a good perspective of the field, laying out the physics in an extremely clear manner and starting from an elementary level. A useful feature of the book is the asterisked sections and chapters which can be skipped by readers who only wish to gain a quick and basic introduction to plasma spectroscopy. It will also be useful to researchers working actively in the field, acting as a guide for carrying out experiments and interpreting experimental observations.
The Physics of Inertial Fusion: Beam Plasma Interaction, Hydrodynamics, Hot Dense Matter
Book 125 · Jun 2004 ·
0.0
This book is on inertial confinement fusion, an alternative way to produce electrical power from hydrogen fuel by using powerful lasers or particle beams. It involves the compression of tiny amounts (micrograms) of fuel to thousand times solid density and pressures otherwise existing only in the centre of stars. Thanks to advances in laser technology, it is now possible to produce such extreme states of matter in the laboratory. Recent developments have boosted laser intensities again with new possibilities for laser particle accelerators, laser nuclear physics, and fast ignition of fusion targets. This is a reference book for those working on beam plasma physics, be it in the context of fundamental research or applications to fusion energy or novel ultra-bright laser sources. The book combines quite different areas of physics: beam target interaction, dense plasmas, hydrodynamic implosion and instabilities, radiative energy transfer as well as fusion reactions. Particular attention is given to simple and useful modelling, including dimensional analysis and similarity solutions. Both authors have worked in this field for more than 20 years. They want to address in particular those teaching this topic to students and all those interested in understanding the technical basis.
Stealing the Gold: A celebration of the pioneering physics of Sam Edwards
Book 126 · Dec 2004 ·
0.0
Over the course of nearly half a century, Sam Edwards has led the field of condensed matter physics into new directions, ranging from the electronic and statistical properties of disordered materials to the mechanical properties of granular materials. Along the way, he has provided seminal contributions to fluid mechanics, polymer science, surface science and statistical mechanics. This volume celebrates the immense scope of his influence by presenting a collection of original articles by recognized leaders in theoretical physics, including two Nobel Laureates and a Fields Medalist, which describe the genesis, evolution and future prospects of the various sub-fields of condensed matter theory, along with reprints of a selection of Edwards' seminal papers that helped give birth to the subject. 'Stealing the Gold', Edwards' favourite caricature of the relationship between theoretical physicists and Nature, will be of singular interest to graduate students looking for an overview of some of the most exciting areas of theoretical physics, as well as to researchers in condensed matter physics looking for a comprehensive, broad and uniquely incisive snapshot of their subject at the dawn of the 21st century.
Theory of Fluctuations in Superconductors
Book 127 · Jan 2005 ·
0.0
This book presents a complete encyclopedia of superconducting fluctuations, summarising the last thirty-five years of work in the field. The first part of the book is devoted to an extended discussion of the Ginzburg-Landau phenomenology of fluctuations in its thermodynamical and time-dependent versions and its various applications. The second part deals with microscopic justification of the Ginzburg-Landau approach and presents the diagrammatic theory of fluctuations. The third part is devoted to a less-detailed review of the manifestation of fluctuations in observables: diamagnetism, magnetoconductivity, various tunneling characteristics, thermoelectricity, and NMR relaxation. The final chapters turn to the manifestation of fluctuations in unconventional superconducting systems: nanodrops, nanorings, Berezinsky-Kosterlitz-Thouless state, quantum phase transition between superconductor and insulator, and thermal and quantum fluctuations in weak superconducting systems. The book ends with a brief discussion on theories of high temperature superconductivity, where fluctuations appear as the possible protagonist of this exciting phenomenon.
Multipole Theory in Electromagnetism: Classical, quantum, and symmetry aspects, with applications
Book 128 · Oct 2004 ·
0.0
This book provides an introduction to the classical, quantum, and symmetry aspects of multipole theory, demonstrating the successes of the theory and also its unphysical aspects. It presents a transformation theory which removes these unphysical properties. The book will be of interest to physics students wishing to advance their knowledge of multipole theory, and also a useful reference work for molecular and optical physicists, theoretical chemists working on multipole effects, solid state physicists studying the effects of electromagnetic fields on condensed matter, engineers and applied mathematicians with interests in anisotropic materials. An interesting recent development has been the increasing use of computer calculations in applications of multipole theory. The book will assist computational physicists and chemists wishing to work in this area to acquire the necessary background in multipole theory.
Electronic and Optical Properties of Conjugated Polymers: Edition 2
Book 129 · Apr 2013 ·
0.0
Conjugated polymers have important technological applications, including solar cells and light emitting devices. They are also active components in many important biological processes. In recent years there have been significant advances in our understanding of these systems, owing to both improved experimental measurements and the development of advanced computational techniques. The aim of this book is to describe and explain the electronic and optical properties of conjugated polymers. It focuses on the three key roles of electron-electron interactions, electron-nuclear coupling, and disorder in determining the character of the electronic states, and it relates these properties to experimental observations in real systems. A number of important optical and electronic processes in conjugated polymers are also described. The second edition has a more extended discussion of excitons in conjugated polymers. There is also a new chapter on the static and dynamical localization of excitons.
Electronic and Optical Properties of Conjugated Polymers
Book 129 · Apr 2013 ·
0.0
Conjugated polymers have important technological applications, including solar cells and light emitting devices. They are also active components in many important biological processes. In recent years there have been significant advances in our understanding of these systems, owing to both improved experimental measurements and the development of advanced computational techniques. The aim of this book is to describe and explain the electronic and optical properties of conjugated polymers. It focuses on the three key roles of electron-electron interactions, electron-nuclear coupling, and disorder in determining the character of the electronic states, and it relates these properties to experimental observations in real systems. A number of important optical and electronic processes in conjugated polymers are also described. The second edition has a more extended discussion of excitons in conjugated polymers. There is also a new chapter on the static and dynamical localization of excitons.

Bundles

Quantum Field Theory and Critical Phenomena: Fifth Edition, Edition 5
Jean Zinn-Justin
Science & math
$119.99$95.99