Statistical physics Books
Oxford University Press Concepts in Thermal Physics
Book SynopsisAn understanding of thermal physics is crucial to much of modern physics, chemistry and engineering. This book provides a modern introduction to the main principles that are foundational to thermal physics, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. The key concepts are carefully presented in a clear way, and new ideas are illustrated with copious worked examples as well as a description of the historical background to their discovery. Applications are presented to subjects as diverse as stellar astrophysics, information and communication theory, condensed matter physics and climate change. Each chapter concludes with detailed exercises.The second edition of this popular textbook maintains the structure and lively style of the first edition but extends its coverage of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics to include several new topics, including osmosis, diffusion problems, Bayes theorem, radiative transfer, the Ising model and Monte Carlo methods. New examples and exercises have been added throughout.Trade ReviewThis is probably the best book I know of thermodynamics and statistical physics. The authors have done really a great job. [...] The contents of the book are organised in such way that it can be used for a standard undergraduate level course in thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, where it is also possible to make the appropriate selection of the topics depending on the level and duration of the course. It could also be very useful as a source reference for lecturers in thermodynamics and statistical physics. * M.A.F. Sanjuan, Contemporary Physics *Table of ContentsI: PRELIMINARIES; II: KINETIC THEORY OF GASES; III: TRANSPORT AND THERMAL DIFFUSION; IV: THE FIRST LAW; V: THE SECOND LAW; VI: THERMODYNAMICS IN ACTION; VII: STATISTICAL MECHANICS; VIII: BEYOND THE IDEAL GAS; IX: SPECIAL TOPICS
£37.52
Cambridge University Press Quantum Field Theory and the Standard Model
Book SynopsisProviding a modern introduction to quantum field theory, this comprehensive textbook develops the Standard Model of particle physics and explains state-of-the-art techniques for performing precision theoretical calculations. Intuitive physical discussions of abstract concepts make the subject accessible to students with a variety of backgrounds and interests.Trade Review'This is an excellent graduate-level relativistic quantum field theory text, covering an impressive amount of material often with a very novel presentation. It would be ideal either for courses on relativistic quantum field theory or for courses on the Standard Model of elementary particle interactions. The book provides interesting insights and covers many modern topics not usually presented in current texts such as spinor-helicity methods and on-shell recursion relations, heavy quark effective theory and soft-collinear effective field theory. It is nice to see the modern point of view on the predictive power of non-renormalizable theories discussed. Once in a generation particle physicists elevate a quantum field theory text to the rank of classic. Two such classics are the texts by Bjorken and Drell and Peskin and Schroeder; it wouldn't surprise me if this new book by Schwartz joins this illustrious group.' Mark Wise, California Institute of Technology'A wonderful tour of quantum field theory from the modern perspective, filled with insights on both the conceptual underpinnings and the concrete, elegant calculational tools of the subject.' Nima Arkani-Hamed, Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton'Schwartz has produced a new and valuable introduction to quantum field theory. He has rethought the whole presentation of the subject, from the introductory and foundational concepts to new developments such as effective field theory descriptions of quark dynamics. Students will enjoy viewing quantum field theory from his perspective.' Michael E. Peskin, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford University'Schwartz's book grew out of a popular year long course in quantum field theory at Harvard. Designed primarily for graduate students, this course also attracts and inspires a number of undergraduates each year. The book is unique in its combination of breadth, depth and readability. Schwartz starts at the beginning of the subject and brings us right up to the present. That the book is neither superficial nor impossibly dense is rather remarkable and makes it easy to understand the course's success.' Howard Georgi, Harvard University'In this book, Schwartz gives a thoughtful and modern treatment of many classical and contemporary topics. Students and experienced researchers will find much here of value.' Edward Witten, Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton'Every single one of these pages is packed with information. … this book grew out of lectures Schwartz has given to graduate students at Harvard, and it becomes very clear that he is well aware of possible pitfalls and problems of understanding that students may have. … The first part of the book should be accessible for beginning graduate students who have mastered quantum mechanics, special relativity and electrodynamics. The second part of the book will also be useful for advanced students and researchers who want to learn how to perform calculations in the standard model. … Schwartz has done a great job in presenting his view on this complex matter, and I wish this book had already existed when I learned the subject! I recommend it to anyone dedicated to learning quantum field theory and the physics of the standard model.' Thomas Peters, Contemporary PhysicsTable of ContentsPart I. Field Theory: 1. Microscopic theory of radiation; 2. Lorentz invariance and second quantization; 3. Classical Field Theory; 4. Old-fashioned perturbation theory; 5. Cross sections and decay rates; 6. The S-matrix and time-ordered products; 7. Feynman rules; Part II. Quantum Electrodynamics: 8. Spin 1 and gauge invariance; 9. Scalar QED; 10. Spinors; 11. Spinor solutions and CPT; 12. Spin and statistics; 13. Quantum electrodynamics; 14. Path integrals; Part III. Renormalization: 15. The Casimir effect; 16. Vacuum polarization; 17. The anomalous magnetic moment; 18. Mass renormalization; 19. Renormalized perturbation theory; 20. Infrared divergences; 21. Renormalizability; 22. Non-renormalizable theories; 23. The renormalization group; 24. Implications of Unitarity; Part IV. The Standard Model: 25. Yang–Mills theory; 26. Quantum Yang-Mills theory; 27. Gluon scattering and the spinor-helicity formalism; 28. Spontaneous symmetry breaking; 29. Weak interactions; 30. Anomalies; 31. Precision tests of the standard model; 32. QCD and the parton model; Part V. Advanced Topics: 33. Effective actions and Schwinger proper time; 34. Background fields; 35. Heavy-quark physics; 36. Jets and effective field theory; Appendices; References; Index.
£64.59
Oxford University Press Networks
Book SynopsisThe study of networks, including computer networks, social networks, and biological networks, has attracted enormous interest in the last few years. The rise of the Internet and the wide availability of inexpensive computers have made it possible to gather and analyze network data on an unprecedented scale, and the development of new theoretical tools has allowed us to extract knowledge from networks of many different kinds. The study of networks is broadly interdisciplinary and central developments have occurred in many fields, including mathematics, physics, computer and information sciences, biology, and the social sciences. This book brings together the most important breakthroughs in each of these fields and presents them in a coherent fashion, highlighting the strong interconnections between work in different areas.Topics covered include the measurement of networks; methods for analyzing network data, including methods developed in physics, statistics, and sociology; fundamentals of graph theory; computer algorithms; mathematical models of networks, including random graph models and generative models; and theories of dynamical processes taking place on networks.Trade ReviewThis is the definitive book on networks, friendly enough for anyone to read and serious enough for researchers to find their way. [Newman] is one of the founders and leaders of the field and has updated the book with cutting-edge topics. * Professor Cris Moore, Santa Fe Institute *This is the definitive book on network science, by one of its most brilliant researchers and graceful expositors. The second edition of Mark Newman's Networks is clear, comprehensive, and fascinating. * Steven Strogatz, Department of Mathematics, Cornell University, USA *This is an excellent textbook by one of the preeminent scholars in the study of networks. I draw heavily from it when teaching my undergraduate course on networks, and I am very pleased to see a new edition of the book. Newman's clear exposition shines through in this textbook. * Mason Porter, Department of Mathematics, UCLA, USA *An extraordinarily comprehensive and clear exposition of network science from one of the giants in the field. Newman succeeds in making accessible to a broad readership even the most technical content. * Santo Fortunato, School of Informatics and Computing, Indiana University *Reviews from previous edition:Networks accomplishes two key goals: It provides a comprehensive introduction and presents the theoretic backbone of network science. [] The book is balanced in its presentation of theoretical concepts, computational techniques, and algorithms. The level of difficulty increases which each chapter [which] makes the book particularly valuable to physics students who wish to acquire a solid foundation based on their knowledge of basic linear algebra, calculus, and differential equations. * Physics Today *Newman has written a wonderful book that gives an extensive overview of the broadly interdisciplinary network-related developments that have occured in many fields, including mathematics, physics, computer science, biology, and the social sciences ... Overall, a valuable resource covering a wide-randing field. * Choice *Likely to become the standard introductory textbook for the study of networks [...] Overall, this is an excellent textbook for the growing field of networks. It is cleverly written and suitable as both an introduction for undergraduate students (particularly Parts 1 to 3) and as a roadmap for graduate students. [...] Being highly self-contained, computer scientists and professionals from other fields can also use the book - in fact, the author himself is a physicist. In short, this book is a delight for the inquisitive mind. * Computing Reviews *This book brings together, for the first time, the most important breakthroughs in each of these fields and presents them in a coherent fashion, highlighting the strong connections between work in different subject areas. * CERN Courier *Table of Contents1: Introduction Part I: The empirical study of networks 2: Technological networks 3: Networks of information 4: Social networks 5: Biological networks Part II: Fundamentals of network theory 6: Mathematics of networks 7: Measures and metrics 8: Computer algorithms 9: Network statistics and measurement error 10: The structure of real-world networks Part III: Network models 11: Random graphs 12: The configuration model 13: Models of network formation Part IV: Applications 14: Community structure 15: Percolation and network resilience 16: Epidemics on networks 17: Dynamical systems on networks 18: Network search
£65.55
Elsevier Science Statistical Physics
Book SynopsisTrade Review"Stimulating reading" --New ScientistTable of ContentsFundamental principles of theoretical physics; The Gibbs distribution; Ideal gases; Solids; Non-ideal gases; Solutions; Chemical reactions; Fluctuations; Surfaces.
£62.99
Dover Publications Inc. An Introduction to Statistical Thermodynamics
Book Synopsis
£15.29
World Scientific Publishing Co Pte Ltd Introduction To Relativistic Statistical
Book SynopsisThis is one of the very few books focusing on relativistic statistical mechanics, and is written by a leading expert in this special field. It started from the notion of relativistic kinetic theory, half a century ago, exploding into relativistic statistical mechanics. This will interest specialists of various fields, especially the (classical and quantum) plasma physics. However, quantum physics — to which a major part is devoted — will be of more interest since, not only it applies to quantum plasma physics, but also to nuclear matter and to strong magnetic field, cosmology, etc. Although the domain of gauge theory is not covered in this book, the topic is not completely forgotten, in particular in the domain of plasma physics. This book is particularly readable for graduate students and a fortiori to young researchers for whom it offers methods and also appropriate schemes to deal with the current problems encountered in astrophysics, in strong magnetic, in nuclear or even in high energy physics.Table of ContentsThe One-Particle Relativistic Distribution Function; Relativistic Kinetic Theory and the BGK-Equation; Relativistic Plasmas; Curved Spacetime; Relativistic Statistical Mechanics; Relativistic Stochastic Processes and Connected Questions; The Density Operator; The Covariant Wigner Function; The Fermion Field Interacting via a Scalar Field; Covariant Kinetic Equations in the Quantum Domain; Application to Nuclear Matter; Strong Magnetic Fields; Statistics of Quasiparticles; The Relativistic Fermi Liquid; QED Plasmas.
£162.00
Elsevier Science Stochastic Processes in Physics and Chemistry
Book SynopsisReplaces the contrived application of the quantum master equation with a satisfactory treatment of quantum fluctuations. This work covers the fluctuations and stochastic methods for describing them. It is of interest to students and researchers in applied mathematics, physics and physical chemistry.Table of ContentsI. Stochastic variablesII. Random eventsIII. Stochastic processesIV. Markov processesV. The master equationVI. One-step processesVII. Chemical reactionsVIII. The Fokker-Planck equationIX. The Langevin approachX. The expansion of the master equationXI. The diffusion typeXII. First-passage problemsXIII. Unstable systemsXIV. Fluctuations in continuous systemsXV. The statistics of jump eventsXVI. Stochastic differential equationsXVII. Stochastic behavior of quantum systems
£80.99
Oxford University Press An Introduction to Thermal Physics
Book SynopsisThermal physics deals with collections of large numbers of particles - typically 10 to the 23rd power or so. Examples include the air in a balloon, the water in a lake, the electrons in a chunk of metal, and the photons given off by the sun. We can''t possibly follow every detail of the motions of so many particles. So in thermal physics we assume that these motions are random, and we use the laws of probability to predict how the material as a whole ought to behave. Alternatively, we can measure the bulk properties of a material, and from these infer something about the particles it is made of.This book will give you a working understanding of thermal physics, assuming that you have already studied introductory physics and calculus. You will learn to apply the general laws of energy and entropy to engines, refrigerators, chemical reactions, phase transformations, and mixtures. You will also learn to use basic quantum physics and powerful statistical methods to predict in detail how temperature affects molecular speeds, vibrations of solids, electrical and magnetic behaviors, emission of light, and exotic low-temperature phenomena. The problems and worked examples explore applications not just within physics but also to engineering, chemistry, biology, geology, atmospheric science, astrophysics, cosmology, and everyday life.Trade ReviewI am a great admirer of Schroeder's book. While writing a graduate textbook in the subject, I studied many books in statistical mechanics, at various levels of sophistication. Of these, Schroeder's text stood out. Indeed, it was the only one I envied -- his sense of fun, his vivid explanations, and his deep insights into conceptual issues. * James P. Sethna, Cornell University, author of 'Statistical Mechanics: Entropy, Order Parameters, and Complexity', Second Edition, OUP 2021 *Table of ContentsPreface Part I: Fundamentals 1: Energy in Thermal Physics 2: The Second Law 3: Interactions and Implications Part II: Thermodynamics 4: Engines and Refrigerators 5: Free Energy and Chemical Thermodynamics Part III: Statistical Mechanics 6: Boltzmann Statistics 7: Quantum Statistics 8: Systems of Interacting Particles Appendix A: Elements of Quantum Mechanics Appendix B: Mathematical Results Suggested Reading Reference Data Index
£79.00
Cambridge University Press Uncovering Quantum Field Theory and the Standard
Book Synopsis
£56.99
World Scientific Europe Ltd Topics In Statistical Mechanics
Book SynopsisBuilding on the material learned by students in their first few years of study, Topics in Statistical Mechanics (Second Edition) presents an advanced level course on statistical and thermal physics. It begins with a review of the formal structure of statistical mechanics and thermodynamics considered from a unified viewpoint. There is a brief revision of non-interacting systems, including quantum gases and a discussion of negative temperatures. Following this, emphasis is on interacting systems. First, weakly interacting systems are considered, where the interest is in seeing how small interactions cause small deviations from the non-interacting case. Second, systems are examined where interactions lead to drastic changes, namely phase transitions. A number of specific examples is given, and these are unified within the Landau theory of phase transitions. The final chapter of the book looks at non-equilibrium systems, in particular the way they evolve towards equilibrium. This is framed within the context of linear response theory. Here fluctuations play a vital role, as is formalised in the fluctuation-dissipation theorem.The second edition has been revised particularly to help students use this book for self-study. In addition, the section on non-ideal gases has been expanded, with a treatment of the hard-sphere gas, and an accessible discussion of interacting quantum gases. In many cases there are details of Mathematica calculations, including Mathematica Notebooks, and expression of some results in terms of Special Functions.
£112.50
Oxford University Press Introduction to Statistical Mechanics and
Book SynopsisAn Introduction to Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics returns with a second edition which includes new chapters, further explorations, and updated information into the study of statistical mechanics and thermal dynamics.The first part of the book derives the entropy of the classical ideal gas, using only classical statistical mechanics and an analysis of multiple systems first suggested by Boltzmann. The properties of the entropy are then expressed as postulates of thermodynamics in the second part of the book. From these postulates, the formal structure of thermodynamics is developed. The third part of the book introduces the canonical and grand canonical ensembles, which are shown to facilitate calculations for many model systems. An explanation of irreversible phenomena that is consistent with time-reversal invariance in a closed system is presented. The fourth part of the book is devoted to quantum statistical mechanics, including black-body radiation, the harmonic solid, Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac statistics, and an introduction to band theory, including metals, insulators, and semiconductors. The final chapter gives a brief introduction to the theory of phase transitions. Throughout the book, there is a strong emphasis on computational methods to make abstract concepts more concrete.Trade ReviewReview from previous edition In his innovative new text, Carnegie Mellon University physics professor Robert Swendsen presents the foundations of statistical mechanics with, as he puts it, a detour through thermodynamics. That's a desirable strategy because the statistical approach is more fundamental than the classical thermodynamics approach and has many applications to current research problems. [] The mathematical notation is carefully introduced and useful; the selected mathematical techniques are clearly explained in a conversational style that both graduate and advanced undergraduate students will find easy to follow. The author's subject organization and conceptual viewpoint address some of the shortcomings of conventional developments of thermal physics and will be helpful to students and researchers seeking a deep appreciation of statistical physics. * Physics Today, August 2013 *Bob Swendsen's book is very well thought out, educationally sound, and more original than other texts. * Jan Tobochnik, Kalamazoo College, USA *Robert Swendsen is a well-respected researcher who has developed many novel algorithms that illustrate his deep understanding of statistical mechanics. His textbook reflects his deep understanding and will likely have a major impact on the way statistical mechanics and thermodynamics is taught. Particularly noteworthy is Swendsen's treatment of entropy, following Boltzmann's original definition in terms of probability, and his comprehensive discussion of the fundamental principles and applications of statistical mechanics and thermodynamics. Students and instructors will enjoy reading the book as much as Swendsen obviously enjoyed writing it. * Harvey Gould, Clark University, USA *In this reader-friendly, excellent text, the author provides a unique combination of the best of two worlds: traditional thermodynamics (following Callen's footsteps) and modern statistical mechanics (including VPython codes for simulations). * Royce Zia, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, USA *Swendsen is famous for developing Monte Carlo algorithms which dramatically speed up the simulation of many systems near a phase transition. The ideas for those algorithms required deep understanding of statistical mechanics, an understanding which is now fully applied to this excellent textbook. * Peter Young, University of California, USA *Table of ContentsPreface Introduction1: Part 1 Entropy 2: The Classical Ideal Gas 3: Discrete Probability Theory 4: The Classical Ideal Gas: Configurational Entropy 5: Continuous Random Numbers 6: The Classical Ideal Gas: Energy-Dependence of Entropy 7: Classical Gasses: Ideal and Otherwise 8: Temperature Pressure, Chemical Potential, and All That Part 2 Thermodynamics 9: The Postulates and Laws of Thermodynamics 10: Perturbations of Thermodynamic State Functions 11: Thermodynamics Processes 12: Thermodynamic Potentials 13: The Consequences of Extensivity 14: Thermodynamic Identities 15: Extremum Principles 16: Stability Conditions 17: Phase Transitions 18: The Nernst Postulate: the Third Law of Thermodynamics Part 3 Classical Statistical Mechanics 19: Ensembles in Classical Statistical Mechanics 20: Classical Ensembles: Grand and Otherwise 21: Refining the Definition of Entropy 22: Irreversibility Part 4 Quantum Statistical Mechanics 23: Quantum Ensembles 24: Quantum Canonical Ensemble 25: Black-Body Radiation 26: The Harmonic Solid 27: Ideal Quantum Gases 28: Bose-Einstein Statistics 29: Fermi-Dirac Statistics 30: Insulators and Semiconductors 31: Phase Transitions and the Ising Model Appendix Appendix: Computer Calculations and VPython Index Index Free
£72.20
Oxford University Press An Introduction to Thermal Physics
Book SynopsisThermal physics deals with collections of large numbers of particles - typically 10 to the 23rd power or so. Examples include the air in a balloon, the water in a lake, the electrons in a chunk of metal, and the photons given off by the sun. We can''t possibly follow every detail of the motions of so many particles. So in thermal physics we assume that these motions are random, and we use the laws of probability to predict how the material as a whole ought to behave. Alternatively, we can measure the bulk properties of a material, and from these infer something about the particles it is made of.This book will give you a working understanding of thermal physics, assuming that you have already studied introductory physics and calculus. You will learn to apply the general laws of energy and entropy to engines, refrigerators, chemical reactions, phase transformations, and mixtures. You will also learn to use basic quantum physics and powerful statistical methods to predict in detail how teTrade ReviewI am a great admirer of Schroeder's book. While writing a graduate textbook in the subject, I studied many books in statistical mechanics, at various levels of sophistication. Of these, Schroeder's text stood out. Indeed, it was the only one I envied -- his sense of fun, his vivid explanations, and his deep insights into conceptual issues. * James P. Sethna, Cornell University, author of 'Statistical Mechanics: Entropy, Order Parameters, and Complexity', Second Edition, OUP 2021 *Table of ContentsPreface Part I: Fundamentals 1: Energy in Thermal Physics 2: The Second Law 3: Interactions and Implications Part II: Thermodynamics 4: Engines and Refrigerators 5: Free Energy and Chemical Thermodynamics Part III: Statistical Mechanics 6: Boltzmann Statistics 7: Quantum Statistics 8: Systems of Interacting Particles Appendix A: Elements of Quantum Mechanics Appendix B: Mathematical Results Suggested Reading Reference Data Index
£37.52
Oxford University Press Sailing the Ocean of Complexity Lessons from the
Book SynopsisThe book provides a non-specialist introduction to the reasons why we can make sense of the world around and within us, facing the oceans of complexity which inhabit both. The book provides a scientific and easily accessible description of some of the key physical mechanisms by which the wonderful gift of life materializes in the natural world.Trade ReviewThis book gives a nontechnical survey of complex systems, strongly emphasizing the connection of fundamental physics to biology. Starting with a very nice foundational discussion, the Succi goes on to look at the connection developed by Boltzmann between microscopic physics and macroscopic biology...the thoughtful reader will be rewarded. * Choice *This is an interesting exploration of how the complex macroscopic world is derivable from microscopic physics, and how the non-linearity of complex systems leads to issues of predictability and at the same time accounts for physical structures. The author gives personal comments on his own appreciation of the physics throughout the book, as well as a thought-provoking conclusion suggesting that our experience of time is a consequence of the emergence of complexity. * E. Kincanon, Gonzaga University, CHOICE connect *Complexity is between the two infinities "very big" and "very small" - always a fascinating subject. The author explains things in a very easy-going way, and adds some entertaining stories and thoughts which make it entertaining to read. * Christian Beck, Queen Mary University of London *Complexity science is of critical importance in the modern world, but not on the radar screen of the average reader. This book, designed for the general public, is intended to fix that problem in a very enjoyable and entertaining style. * Bruce Boghosian, Tufts University *A fresh and competent view on a very interesting scientific topic. * Guido Caldarelli, School IMT Alti Studi Lucca *Sauro Succi's new book is both superb and essential. Succi, with clarity and wit, takes us from quarks and Boltzmann to soft matter - precisely the frontier of physics and life. Someone said, “There is no truth beyond magic”. Succi shows us the magic at the edge of life. * Stuart Kauffman, MacArthur Fellow, Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, Gold Medal Accademia Lincea *Table of ContentsPreface Part 1: COMPLEXITY 1: Introducing Complexity 2: The Guiding Barriers 3: Competition and Cooperation 4: Nonlinearity, The Mother of Complexity 5: The Dark Side of Nonlinearity 6: The Bright Side of Nonlinearity 7: Networks, The Fabric of Complexity Part 2: THE SCIENCE OF CHANGE 8: Good Old Thermodynamics 9: The Man Who Trusted Atoms 10: Biological Escapes 11: Cosmological Escapes 12: Free Energy Part 3: THE PHYSICS-BIOLOGY INTERFACE 13: Survival in Molecular Hyperland, the Ozland Valleys 14: Free Energy Funnels 15: Soft Matter, The Stu that Dreams Are Made Of 16: Water, the Wonderuid Part 4: COMPLEXITY AND THE HUMAN CONDITION 17: Time and the Complexity of the Human Condition 18: Harness the Hybris: Hallelujah! 19: Appendices Epilogue Acknowledgements References
£28.02
Clarendon Press Dynamical Theory of Crystal Lattices
Book SynopsisAt the time of its original publication this reissued ''classic'' text, co-written by the Nobel Laureate of 1954, Max Born, represented the final account of the subject and in many ways it still does. The book is divided into four sections. The first of these is very general in nature and deals with the general statistical mechanics of ideal lattices, leading to the electric polarizability and to the scattering of light. The second part deals with the properties of long lattice waves; the third with thermal properties and the fourth with optical properties.Trade Review'extraordinarily general and sound introduction ... a standard work that is indispensable to all working in this field' * Die Naturwissenschaften *'... important mathematical methods which should be of use in other subjects as well' * British Journal of Applied Physics *Table of ContentsPART 1: ELEMENTARY THEORIES ; PART 2: GENERAL THEORIES
£48.60
Oxford University Press Introductory Statistical Mechanics
Book SynopsisThis book explains the ideas and techniques of statistical mechanics-the theory of condensed matter-in a simple and progressive way. The text starts with the laws of thermodynamics and simple ideas of quantum mechanics. The conceptual ideas underlying the subject are explained carefully; the mathematical ideas are developed in parallel to give a coherent overall view. The text is illustrated with examples not just from solid state physics, but also from recent theories of radiation from black holes and recent data on the background radiation from the Cosmic background explorer. In this second edition, slightly more advanced material on statistical mechanics is introduced, material which students should meet in an undergraduate course. As a result the new edition contains three more chapters on phase transitions at an appropriate level for an undergraduate student. There are plenty of problems at the end of each chapter, and brief model answers are provided for odd-numbered problems. From reviews of the first edition: ''...Introductory Statistical Mechanics is clear and crisp and takes advantage of the best parts of the many approaches to the subject'' Physics Today
£50.34
Clarendon Press Statistical Mechanics of Phase Transitions
Book SynopsisRecent developments have led to a good understanding of universality; why phase transitions in systems as diverse as magnets, fluids, liquid crystals, and superconductors can be brought under the same theoretical umbrella and well described by simple models. This book describes the physics underlying universality and then lays out the theoretical approaches now available for studying phase transitions. Traditional techniques, mean-field theory, series expansions, and the transfer matrix, are described; the Monte Carlo method is covered, and two chapters are devoted to the renormalization group, which led to a break-through in the field.The book will be useful as a textbook for a course in `Phase Transitions'', as an introduction for graduate students undertaking research in related fields, and as an overview for scientists in other disciplines who work with phase transitions but who are not aware of the current tools in the armoury of the theoretical physicist.Trade Review'The book will be useful as a textbook for a course in phase transitions; as an introduction in other disciplines who work with phase transitions but who are not aware of the current tools in the armoury of the theoretical physicist. (orig.) Physics Briefs'it is desirable that those who wish to be acquainted with the work being done in the field have access to suitable textbooks ... Such a book is the text under review ... this book will serve as a useful map to novices to the field.' Dr A. Danielian, King's College, London, Contemporary Physics, Volume 33, Number 5, September/October 1992'novices will be provided with an up-to-date map of the field.' Dr. A. Danielian, King's College, London. Contemporary Physics, 1992, Volume 33, Number 5.Table of ContentsIntroduction; Statistical mechanics and thermodynamics; Models; Mean-field theories; The transfer matrix; Series expansions; Monte Carlo simulations; The renormalization group; Implementations of the renormalization group.
£41.79
Oxford University Press QUANTUM INFORMATION OMSP P
Book SynopsisQuantum information- the subject- is a new and exciting area of science, which brings together physics, information theory, computer science and mathematics. Quantum Information- the book- is based on two successful lecture courses given to advanced undergraduate and beginning postgraduate students in physics. The intention is to introduce readers at this level to the fundamental, but offer rather simple, ideas behind ground-breaking developments including quantum cryptography, teleportation and quantum computing. The text is necessarily rather mathematical in style, but the mathematics nowhere allowed priority over the key physical ideas. My aim throughout was to be as complete and self- contained but to avoid, as far as possible, lengthy and formal mathematical proofs. Each of the eight chapters is followed by about forty exercise problems with which the reader can test their understanding and hone their skills. These will also provide a valuable resource to tutors and lectures.Trade ReviewThis is an excellent introductory book, ideal for a final year UK undergraduate course in QI. It is the best one I have found so far and provides an excellent grounding for more advanced books like Nielsen and Chuang for example * Professor David Toms, Newcastle University *Stephen Barnett's Quantum Information is a concise and remarkably readable account of most of the developments in the field. His book touches on almost all aspects of quantum information and quantum computing, including communication and measurement theory, entanglement, and computing algorithms. An impressive book...The engaging introductory chapters, extensive problem sets, and exhaustive appendices result in a textbook highly recommended for a one-semester course on quantum information at the advanced undergraduate or graduate level. * Physics Today *A carefully written book..., well suited as a textbook..., strong on pedagogy..., accomplishes a lot as a very accessible first introduction to quantum information. * American Journal of Physics *...an impressive book. The engaging introductory chapters, extensive problems sets, and exhaustive appendices result in a textbook that I highly recommend for a one-semester course on quantum information at the advanced undergraduate or graduate level. * M. Suhail Zubairy, Physics Today *A nice introduction to quantum information. * Mathematical Reviews *Table of Contents1. Probability and Information ; 2. Elements of Quantum Theory ; 3. Quantum Cryptography ; 4. Generalized Measurements ; 5. Entaglement ; 6. Quantum Information processing ; 7. Quantum Computation ; 8. Quantum Information theory
£37.04
Oxford University Press Machine Learning for Signal Processing
Book SynopsisDescribes in detail the fundamental mathematics and algorithms of machine learning (an example of artificial intelligence) and signal processing, two of the most important and exciting technologies in the modern information economy. Builds up concepts gradually so that the ideas and algorithms can be implemented in practical software applications.Trade ReviewThis book provides an excellent pathway for gaining first-class expertise in machine learning. It provides both the technical background that explains why certain approaches, but not others, are best practice in real world problems, and a framework for how to think about and approach new problems. I highly recommend it for people with a signal processing background who are seeking to become an expert in machine learning. * Alex 'Sandy' Pentland, Toshiba Professor of Media Arts and Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, *Over the past decade in signal processing, machine learning has gone from a disparate research field known only to people working on topics such as speech and image processing, to permeating all aspects of it. With this book, Prof. Little has taken an important step in unifying machine learning and signal processing. As a whole, this book covers many topics, new and old, that are important in their own right and equips the reader with a broader perspective than traditional signal processing textbooks. In particular, I would highlight the combination of statistical modeling, convex optimization, and graphs as particularly potent. Machine learning and signal processing are no longer separate, and there is no doubt in my mind that this is the way to teach signal processing in the future. * Mads Christensen, Full Professor in Audio Processing, Aalborg University, Denmark, *Table of Contents1: Mathematical Foundations 2: Optimization 3: Random Sampling 4: Statistical Modelling and Inference 5: Probabalistic Graphical Models 6: Statistical Machine Learning 7: Linear-Gaussian Systems and Signal Processing 8: Discrete Signals: Sampling, Quantization and Coding 9: Nonlinear and Non-Gaussian Signal Processing 10: Nonparametric Bayesian Machine Learning and Signal Processing
£72.20
Oxford University Press Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Dynamics
Book SynopsisThe book introduces classical mechanics. It does so in an informal style with numerous fresh, modern and inter-disciplinary applications assuming no prior knowledge of the necessary mathematics. The book provides a comprehensive and self-contained treatment of the subject matter up to the forefront of research in multiple areas.Table of ContentsPart I: Newtonian Mechanics 1: Introduction 2: Newton's Three Laws 3: Energy and Work 4: Introductory Rotational Dynamics 5: The Harmonic Oscillator 6: Wave Mechanics & Elements of Mathematical Physics Part II: Langrangian Mechanics 7: Introduction 8: Coordinates & Constraints 9: The Stationary Action Principle 10: Constrained Langrangian Mechanics 11: Point Transformations in Langrangian Mechanics 12: The Jacobi Energy Function 13: Symmetries & Langrangian-Hamiltonian-Jacobi Theory 14: Near-Equilibrium Oscillations 15: Virtual Work & d'Alembert's Principle Part III: Canonical Mechanics 16: Introduction 17: The Hamiltonian & Phase Space 18: Hamiltonian's equations & Routhian Reduction 19: Poisson Brackets & Angular momentum 20: Canonical & Gauge Transformations 21: Hamilton-Jacobi Theory 22: Liouville's Theorem & Classical Statistical Mechanics 23: Constrained Hamiltonian Dynamics 24: Autonomous Geometrical Mehcanics 25: The Structure of Phase Space 26: Near-Integrable Systems Part IV: Classical Field Theory 27: Introduction 28: Langrangian Field Theory 29: Hamiltonian Field Theory 30: Clssical Electromagnetism 31: Neother's Theorem for Fields 32: Classical Path-Integrals Part V: Preliminary Mathematics 33: The (Not so?) Basics 34: Matrices 35: Partial Differentiation 36: Legendre Transformations 37: Vector Calculus 38: Differential equations 39: Calculus of Variations Part VI: Advanced Mathematics 40: Linear Algebra 41: Differential Geometry Part VII: Exam Style Questions Appendix A: Noether's Theorem Explored Appendix B: The Action Principle Explored Appendix C: Useful Relations Appendxi D: Poisson & Nambu Brackets Explored Appendix: Canonical Transformations Explored Appendix F: Action-Angle Variables Explored Appendix G: Statistical Mechanics Explored Appendix H: Biographies
£39.42
Oxford University Press Snow Avalanches Beliefs Facts and Science
Book SynopsisThis book provides a critical update of the most recent and innovative developments of avalanche science. It aims at re-founding avalanche science on clear scientific bases, from field observations and experiments up to mathematical and physical analysis and modeling. In this respect, it stands in a still unoccupied but fundamental niche amidst the abundant avalanche literature.In the current context of a accelerated climate warming, the book also discusses possible evolutions of snow cover extent and stability. It also shows how the present analysis can be extended, in mountainous areas, to other gravitationally induced phenomena that are likely to take over from avalanches under specific circumstances.The text is supported by online links to field experiments and lectures on triggering mechanisms, risk management, and decision making.Trade ReviewProvides the best overall understanding of avalanche science in the most practical way. * Henry Schniewind, Director of Henry's Avalanche Talk (HAT), London and Val d'Isère *Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION SNOW, AN INTRIGUING, COMPLEX AND CHANGEABLE SOLID 2.1: From ice to snow 2.2: Snow crystals 2.3: From snowfalls to snow layers 2.4: Snow as a granular medium 2.5: Snow as a porous medium: the concept of percolation BASICS OF DEFORMATION, FRACTURE AND FRICTION PROCESSES 3.1: Deformation of solids 3.2: Fracture initiation and extension 3.3: Griffith's criterion 3.4: The brittle to ductile transition 3.5: Coulomb's law of friction SLAB AVALANCHE RELEASE: DATA AND FIELD EXPERIMENTS 4.1: Geometry and dynamical characteristics 4.2: Statistical aspects: scale invariance 4.3: The weak layer, starting point for slab avalanche release 4.4: Stability and Bridging indexes SLAB AVALANCHE MODELING 5.1: Old myths and beliefs to shoot down 5.2: Basis for modeling 5.3: Statistical approach: Playing with cellular 5.4: Sliding or sticking? 5.5: Slab avalanche release in four steps SUPERFICIAL AND FULL-DEPTH AVALANCHES 6.1: Loose snow avalanches 6.2: Full depth avalanches 6.3: Summary SNOW AND AVALANCHES IN A CLIMATE WARMING CONTEXT 7.1: Climate change 7.2: Possible consequences on avalanching SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION APPENDIX A COMPLEXITY AND CRITICAL PHENOMENA A1: From simple to complex systems A2: Scale invariance and self-organized criticality APPENDIX B MODELING A FLUID TO SOLID PHASE TRANSITION IN SNOW WEAK-LAYERS. B1: A fluid to solid phase transition in healable granular materials B2: Application to slab avalanche release APPENDIX C STABILITY OF A SINTERED WEAK LAYER DISK SURROUNDED BY A RING-SHAPED FLUID WEAK LAYER ZONE
£49.40
Oxford University Press Atomic Pair Distribution Function Analysis
Book SynopsisSince the early 1990s the atomic pair distribution function (PDF) analysis of powder diffraction data has undergone something of a revolution in its ability to do just that: yield important structural information beyond the average crystal structure of a material. With the advent of advanced sources, computing and algorithms, it is now useful for studying the structure of nanocrystals, clusters and molecules in solution or otherwise disordered in space, nanoporous materials and things intercalated into them, and to look for local distortions and defects in crystals. It can be used in a time-resolved way to study structural changes taking place during synthesis and in operating devices, and to map heterogeneous systems.Although the experiments are somewhat straightforward, there can be a gap in knowledge when trying to use PDF to extract structural information by modelling. This book addresses this gap and guides the reader through a series of real life worked examples that gradually inTable of Contents1: Introduction and review 1.1 What this book is not 1.2 What this book is 1.3 Why PDF? 1.4 Software 2: PDF Primer 2.1 Introduction 2.2 X-ray scattering from materials 2.3 Obtaining the PDF from x-ray total scattering data 2.4 The pair distribution function 2.5 Extracting structural information from the PDF 2.6 Measurement of total scattering data 2.7 It is time to start modelling! 3: PDF modelling of simple crystal structures: Bulk Ni and Pt nanoparticles 3.1 Introduction and overview 3.2 The question 3.3 The result 3.4 The experiment 3.5 What next? 3.6 Wait, what? How do I do that? 3.7 Problems 3.8 Solution 3.9 Diffpy-CMI solution 4: Getting the PDF 4.1 Introduction and overview 4.2 The question 4.3 The result 4.4 The experiment 4.5 What next? 4.6 Wait, what? How do I do that? 4.7 results 4.8 problems 4.9 solution 5: Quantification of sample phase composition: physical mixtures of Si and Ni 5.1 Introduction and overview 5.2 The question 5.3 The result 5.4 The experiment 5.5 What next? 5.6 Wait, what? How do I do that? 5.7 Problems 5.8 Solution 5.9 Diffpy-CMI Solution 6: More advanced crystal structure modeling: the room-temperature structure of crystalline Ba0.7K0.3(Zn0.85Mn0.15)2As2 6.1 Introduction and overview 6.2 The question 6.3 The result 6.4 The experiment 6.5 What next? 6.6 Wait, what? How do I do that? 6.7 Problems 6.8 Solution 6.9 Diffpy-CMI Solution 7: Investigating the tetragonal-to-orthorhombic phase transition in SrFe2As2 7.1 Introduction and overview 7.2 The question 7.3 The result 7.4 The experiment 7.5 What next? 7.6 Wait, what? How do I do that? 7.7 Problems 7.8 Solution 7.9 Diffpy-CMI Solution 8: Simple modeling of nanoparticles: Size-dependent structure, defects and morphology of quantum dot nanoparticles 8.1 Introduction and overview 8.2 The question 8.3 The result 8.4 The experiment 8.5 What next? 8.6 Wait, what? How do I do that? 8.7 Problems 8.8 Solutions 8.9 Diffpy-CMI Solution 9: Local structure in a crystal with short-range ordered lower-symmetry domains: Local iridium dimerization and triclinic distortions in cubic CuIr1.76Cr0.24S4 9.1 Introduction and overview 9.2 The question 9.3 The result 9.4 The experiment 9.5 What next? 9.6 Wait, what? How do I do that? 9.7 Problems 9.8 Solution 9.9 Diffpy-CMI Solution 10: Nano and polycrystalline thin films: Local structure of nanocrystalline TiO2 grown on glass 10.1 Introduction and overview 10.2 The question 10.3 The result 10.4 The experiment 10.5 What next? 10.6 Wait, what? How do I do that? 10.7 Problems 10.8 Solution 10.9 Diffpy-CMI Solution 11: Structure of discrete tetrahedral quantum dots: Atomically precise CdSe tetrahedral nanoclusters 11.1 Introduction and overview 11.2 The question 11.3 The result 11.4 The experiment 11.5 What next? 11.6 Wait, what? How do I do that? 11.7 Problems 11.8 Solution 12: Structure and intercalation environment of disordered layered materials: zirconium phosphonateDSphosphate unconventional MOFs 12.1 Introduction . 12.2 The question 12.3 The result 12.4 The experiment 12.5 What next? 12.6 Wait, what? How do I do that? 12.7 Problems 12.8 Solution 13: Magnetic PDF 13.1 Introduction and overview 13.2 The question 13.3 The result 13.4 The experiment 13.5 What next? 13.6 Wait, what? How do I do that? 13.7 Problems 13.8 Solution 14: Tips and Tricks: PDF measurements 14.1 Introduction and overview 14.2 Basic overview: what are total scattering data? 14.3 What type of radiation should I use? 14.4 Detectors 14.5 Sample geometries 14.6 Samples 14.7 Sample environments 15: More PDF Tips and Tricks 15.1 Introduction 15.2 PXRD or PDF, Q-space or r-space analysis? 15.3 Model-free analysis of PDF 15.4 More options for PDF modelling 15.5 Automated PDF modelling 15.6 Final words 16: Appendix 1: Python 16.1 Introduction 16.2 Installing Python programs 16.3 The terminal and the command prompt 16.4 Python IDE>'s and Jupyter Notebooks 17: Appendix 2: Data processing and integration 17.1 Introduction Bibliography
£61.75
Oxford University Press Introduction to Dynamical Wave Function Collapse
Book SynopsisQuantum theory (QT) is the best, most useful physics theory ever invented. For example, ubiquitous are cell phones, laser scanners, medical imagers, all inventions depending on QT. However, there is something deeply wrong with QT. It describes the probabilities of what happens, but it does not give a description of what actually happens. Most (but not all) physicists are not worried about this flaw, the probabilities are good enough for them. Other physicists, the author included, believe that is not good enough. The purpose of physics is to describe reality. To not do so is to abandon ''the great enterprise'' (John Bell). This book shows one way to alter QT so that the new theory does describe what actually happens. This theory, created over three decades ago, has been called the ''Continuous Spontaneous Localization'' (CSL) theory.Many experiments over this period have tested CSL, and so far it is neither confirmed nor refuted. This book shows how CSL works, and discusses its consequTrade ReviewA most welcome addition to the physics literature written with extreme care and covering the objective subject matter in a thorough professional and methodical manner. * Daniel Sudarsky, UNAM, Mexico City *A book of very high quality presenting a way of modifying quantum mechanics to remove some of its most serious problems (especially the measurement problem). * Kelvin McQueen, Chapman University, Orange, California *Pearle is the master of this material and writes with beautiful clarity and well-judged occasional witticisms and side-remarks. His experience as teacher, as well as researcher, shows in the vivid explanations, and the careful and consistent level of detail in the exposition. * Jeremy Butterfield, University of Cambridge *Table of Contents1: Introduction 2: Continuous Spontaneous Localization (CSL) Theory 3: CSL Theory Refinements 4: Non-Relativistic CSL 5: Spontaneous Localization (SL) Theory 6: Some Experiments Testing CSL 7: Interpretational Remarks 8: Supplement to Chapter 1 9: Supplement to Chapter 2 10: Supplement to Chapter 3 11: Supplement to Chapter 4 12: Supplement to Chapter 5 13: Supplement to Chapter 6 14: Supplement to Chapter 7 15: A Stochastic Differential Equation Cookbook 16: CSL Expressed as a Schrodinger Stochastic DE 17: Applying the CSL Stratonovich Equation to the Free Particle Undergoing Collapse in Position 18: Applying the CSL Stratonovich Equation to the Harmonic Oscillator Undergoing Collapse in Position Appendix A: Gaussians Appendix B: Random Walk Appendix C: Brownian Motion/Wiener Process Appendix D: White Noise Appendix E: White Noise Field Appendix F: Density Matrix Appendix G: Theoretical Constraint Calculations
£42.75
Oxford University Press The Nature of Computation
Book SynopsisComputational complexity is one of the most beautiful fields of modern mathematics, and it is increasingly relevant to other sciences ranging from physics to biology. But this beauty is often buried underneath layers of unnecessary formalism, and exciting recent results like interactive proofs, phase transitions, and quantum computing are usually considered too advanced for the typical student. This book bridges these gaps by explaining the deep ideas of theoretical computer science in a clear and enjoyable fashion, making them accessible to non-computer scientists and to computer scientists who finally want to appreciate their field from a new point of view. The authors start with a lucid and playful explanation of the P vs. NP problem, explaining why it is so fundamental, and so hard to resolve. They then lead the reader through the complexity of mazes and games; optimization in theory and practice; randomized algorithms, interactive proofs, and pseudorandomness; Markov chains and phase transitions; and the outer reaches of quantum computing. At every turn, they use a minimum of formalism, providing explanations that are both deep and accessible. The book is intended for graduate and undergraduate students, scientists from other areas who have long wanted to understand this subject, and experts who want to fall in love with this field all over again.Trade ReviewA creative, insightful, and accessible introduction to the theory of computing, written with a keen eye toward the frontiers of the field and a vivid enthusiasm for the subject matter. * Jon Kleinberg, Cornell University *To put it bluntly: this book rocks! It's 900+ pages of awesome. It somehow manages to combine the fun of a popular book with the intellectual heft of a textbook, so much so that I don't know what to call it (but whatever the genre is, there needs to be more of it!). * Scott Aaronson, Massachusetts Institute of Technology *Moore and Mertens guide the reader through the interesting field of computational complexity in a clear, broadly accessible and informal manner, while systematically explaining the main concepts and approaches in this area and the existing links to other disciplines. The book is comprehensive and can be easily used as a textbook, at both advanced undergraduate and postgraduate levels, but is equally useful for researchers in neighbouring disciplines, such as statistical physics [...]. Some of the material covered, such as approximability issues and Probabilistically Checkable Proofs is typically not presented in books of this type, and the authors do an excellent job in presenting them very clearly and convincingly. * David Saad, Aston University, Birmingham *A treasure trove of ideas, concepts and information on algorithms and complexity theory. Serious material presented in the most delightful manner! * Vijay Vazirani, Georgia Instituute of Technology *In a class by itself - in The Nature of Computation, Cristopher Moore and Stephan Mertens have produced one of the most successful attempts to capture the broad scope and intellectual depth of theoretical computer science as it is practiced today. The Nature of Computation is one of those books you can open to a random page and find something amazing, surprising and, often, very funny. * American Scientist *a comprehensive, accessible, and highly enjoyable book that conveys the key intellectual contributions of the theory of computing ... a valuable resource for any educator * Haris Aziz, SIGACT *The book is highly recommended for all interested readers: in or out of courses, students undergraduate or graduate, researchers in other fields eager to learn the subject, or scholars already in the field who wish to enrich their current understanding. It makes for a great textbook in a conventional theory of computing course, as I can testify from recent personal experience (I used it once; Ill use it again!). With its broad and deep wealth of information, it would be a top contender for one of my desert island books.TNoC speaks directly, clearly, convincingly, and entetainingly, but also goes much further: it inspires. * Frederic Green, SIGACT *Table of Contents1. Prologue ; 2. The Basics ; 3. Insights and Algorithms ; 4. Needles in a Haystack: The class NP ; 5. Who is the Hardest One of All: NP-Completeness ; 6. The Deep Question: P vs. NP ; 7. Memory, Paths and games ; 8. Grand Unified Theory of Computation ; 9. Simply the Best: Optimization ; 10. The Power of Randomness ; 11. Random Walks and Rapid Mixing ; 12. Counting, Sampling, and Statistical Physics ; 13. When Formulas Freeze: Phase Transitions in Computation ; 14. Quantum Computing ; 15. Epilogue ; 16. Appendix: Mathematical Tools
£77.90
Oxford University Press (UK) Theory of Itinerant Electron Magnetism International Series of Monographs on Physics 106
Book SynopsisThis book is an application of quantum and statistical mechanics to the field of magnetism. The microscopic theory of many electron systems is presented in detail. Emphasis is given on how to solve the equations numerically with the use of computer programmes and how to apply them to problems arising in mechanical engineering or material sciences.Trade ReviewTheory of Itinerant Electron Magnetism by Jurgen Kubler is a unique contribution to the study of magnetism, in that it attempts to describe a substantial part of the field using the local density functional approximation (LDA). The author concentrates on itinerant electron systems and emphasizes the importance of the electronic structure to the understanding of magnetic properties of realistic materials. Furthermore, Kubler cautions the reader that LDA does not correspond to the independent-particle picture; he advocates the extensive use of computers to solve the many-electron problem within LDA. However, he makes it very clear that LDA programs running on even the most efficient computers are not the answer to all magnetism questions, particularly those dealing with strongly correlated electron systems, for which no controlled general theory truly exists[...] This book will be useful to many researchers, theorists, and experimentalists alike. * Physics Today *Table of Contents1 INTRODUCTION; 2 DERIVATION OF THE SINGLE-PARTICLE SCHRODINGER EQUATION: DENSITY AND SPIN-DENSITY-FUNCTIONAL THEORY; 3 ENERGY BAND THEORY; 4 ELECTRONIC STRUCTURE AND ITINERANT ELECTRON MAGNETISM; 5 MAGNETISM OF ITINERANT ELECTRON SYSTEMS AT FINITE TEMPERATURES; APPENDIX: THE ASW PROGRAMME; BIBLIOGRAPHY
£78.85
Oxford University Press Quantum Mechanics
Book SynopsisThis book provides the reader with a contemporary and comprehensive introduction to Quantum Mechanics. It is suitable for beginners as well as for more advanced university students. Quantum mechanics is presented in a pedagogical fashion, with a clear logical organization. The various concepts and methods are introduced first in elementary terms, and later developed into more precise formulations. Systematic studies of approximation methods and the discussion of a wide class of physical applications follow.Part I of the book, together with the opening sections of Part II, provide adequate material for an introductory course of one semester at most universities. The rest of the book might be used in an advanced course on Quantum Mechanics. The basic material is fairly standard, even though some discussions such as those on general systems with time-dependent Hamiltonians, on metastable systems, as well as the discussions in some of the Complement sections, may not be found in other textTable of ContentsI; II; III; IV; V
£104.50
OUP Oxford The Oxford Handbook of Random Matrix Theory
Book SynopsisRandom matrix theory is applied by physicists and mathematicians to understand phenomena in nature and deep mathematical structures. This book offers a comprehensive look at random matrix theory by leading researchers, including applications inside and outside of physics and mathematics.Table of ContentsI INTRODUCTION; II PROPERTIES OF RANDOM MATRIX THEORY; III APPLICATIONS OF RANDOM MATRIX THEORY
£149.62
Oxford University Press Data Science and Complex Networks
Book SynopsisThis book provides a comprehensive yet short description of the basic concepts of Complex Network theory. In contrast to other books the authors present these concepts through real case studies. The application topics span from Foodwebs, to the Internet, the World Wide Web and the Social Networks, passing through the International Trade Web and Financial time series. The final part is devoted to definition and implementation of the most important network models.The text provides information on the structure of the data and on the quality of available datasets. Furthermore it provides a series of codes to allow immediate implementation of what is theoretically described in the book. Readers already used to the concepts introduced in this book can learn the art of coding in Python by using the online material. To this purpose the authors have set up a dedicated web site where readers can download and test the codes. The whole project is aimed as a learning tool for scientists and practitTrade ReviewData science and network science are two of the most dynamically developing areas in modern science. It is fantastic to see these two topics, whose synergy is evident to the practitioner, under one roof, presented with clarity and through numerous practical examples by Caldarelli and Chessa. * Albert-László Barabási, Northeastern University *The authors nicely integrate ideas from data science and complex networks to create a toolkit for tackling big data challenges. An essential read in the information age. * Geoff F. Rodgers, Brunel University London *Table of Contents1: Food Webs 2: International Trade Networks and World Trade Web 3: The Internet Network 4: World Wide Web, Wikipedia and Social Networks 5: Financial Networks 6: Modelling
£55.10
Oxford University Press An Introduction to Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics
Book SynopsisThis text presents the two complementary aspects of thermal physics as an integrated theory of the properties of matter. Conceptual understanding is promoted by thorough development of basic concepts. In contrast to many texts, statistical mechanics, including discussion of the required probability theory, is presented first. This provides a statistical foundation for the concept of entropy, which is central to thermal physics. A unique feature of the book is the development of entropy based on Boltzmann''s 1877 definition; this avoids contradictions or ad hoc corrections found in other texts. Detailed fundamentals provide a natural grounding for advanced topics, such as black-body radiation and quantum gases. An extensive set of problems (solutions are available for lecturers through the OUP website), many including explicit computations, advance the core content by probing essential concepts. The text is designed for a two-semester undergraduate course but can be adapted for one-semeTrade ReviewIn his innovative new text, Carnegie Mellon University physics professor Robert Swendsen presents the foundations of statistical mechanics with, as he puts it, a detour through thermodynamics. That's a desirable strategy because the statistical approach is more fundamental than the classical thermodynamics approach and has many applications to current research problems. [] The mathematical notation is carefully introduced and useful; the selected mathematical techniques are clearly explained in a conversational style that both graduate and advanced undergraduate students will find easy to follow. The author's subject organization and conceptual viewpoint address some of the shortcomings of conventional developments of thermal physics and will be helpful to students and researchers seeking a deep appreciation of statistical physics. * Physics Today *Bob Swendsen's book is very well thought out, educationally sound, and more original than other texts. * Jan Tobochnik, Kalamazoo College, USA *Robert Swendsen is a well-respected researcher who has developed many novel algorithms that illustrate his deep understanding of statistical mechanics. His textbook reflects his deep understanding and will likely have a major impact on the way statistical mechanics and thermodynamics is taught. Particularly noteworthy is Swendsen's treatment of entropy, following Boltzmann's original definition in terms of probability, and his comprehensive discussion of the fundamental principles and applications of statistical mechanics and thermodynamics. Students and instructors will enjoy reading the book as much as Swendsen obviously enjoyed writing it. * Harvey Gould, Clark University, USA *In this reader-friendly, excellent text, the author provides a unique combination of the best of two worlds: traditional thermodynamics (following Callen's footsteps) and modern statistical mechanics (including VPython codes for simulations). * Royce Zia, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, USA *Swendsen is famous for developing Monte Carlo algorithms which dramatically speed up the simulation of many systems near a phase transition. The ideas for those algorithms required deep understanding of statistical mechanics, an understanding which is now fully applied to this excellent textbook. * Peter Young, University of California, USA *Table of ContentsI ENTROPY; II INTRODUCTION TO THERMODYNAMICS; III CLASSICAL STATISTICAL MECHANICS; IV QUANTUM STATISTICAL MECHANICS
£66.60
Oxford University Press Simple Brownian Diffusion An Introduction to the Standard Theoretical Models
Book SynopsisBrownian diffusion is the motion of one or more solute molecules in a sea of very many, much smaller solvent molecules. Its importance today owes mainly to cellular chemistry, since Brownian diffusion is one of the ways in which key reactant molecules move about inside a living cell. This book focuses on the four simplest models of Brownian diffusion: the classical Fickian model, the Einstein model, the discrete-stochastic (cell-jumping) model, and the Langevin model. The authors carefully develop the theories underlying these models, assess their relative advantages, and clarify their conditions of applicability. Special attention is given to the stochastic simulation of diffusion, and to showing how simulation can complement theory and experiment. Two self-contained tutorial chapters, one on the mathematics of random variables and the other on the mathematics of continuous Markov processes (stochastic differential equations), make the book accessible to researchers from a broad spectrum of technical backgrounds.Trade ReviewIn a lively tutorial style, the authors discuss some of the most widely used mathematical formulations of diffusion. They have endeavored to organize and present the subject matter from a purely logical perspective. They emphasize the basic physical assumptions and the conditions for the validity of each of the mathematical formalisms. No subtlety is bypassed, and no limitation of the theory is swept under the carpet. * Debashish Chowdhury, Physics today *In a lively tutorial style, the authors discuss some of the most widely used mathematical formulations of diffusion. They have endeavored to organize and present the subject matter "from a purely logical perspective". They emphasize the basic physical assumptions and the conditions for the validity of each of the mathematical formalisms. No subtlety is bypassed, and no limitation of the theory is swept under the carpet. * Physics Today *Table of Contents1. The Fickian theory of diffusion ; 2. A review of random variable theory ; 3. Einstein's theory of diffusion ; 4. Implications and limitations of the Einstein theory of diffusion ; 5. The discrete-stochastic approach ; 6. Master equations and simulation algorithms for the discrete-stochastic approach ; 7. Continuous Markov process theory ; 8. Langevin's theory of diffusion ; 9. Implications of Langevin's theory ; 10. Diffusion in an external force field ; 11. The first-passage time approach
£89.10
Oxford University Press Econophysics and Physical Economics
Book SynopsisAn understanding of the behaviour of financial assets and the evolution of economies has never been as important as today. This book looks at these complex systems from the perspective of the physicist. So called ''econophysics'' and its application to finance has made great strides in recent years. Less emphasis has been placed on the broader subject of macroeconomics and many economics students are still taught traditional neo-classical economics. The reader is given a general primer in statistical physics, probability theory, and use of correlation functions. Much of the mathematics that is developed is frequently no longer included in undergraduate physics courses. The statistical physics of Boltzmann and Gibbs is one of the oldest disciplines within physics and it can be argued that it was first applied to ensembles of molecules as opposed to being applied to social agents only by way of historical accident. The authors argue by analogy that the theory can be applied directly to eTrade ReviewWe argue that similarlaws apply to assemblies of interacting economic agents for which repeatable experiments are also not always possible. The theory leads naturally to an understanding of a range of financial and economic phenomena. One central issue, namely that of non-equilibrium, is also discussed by drawing on recent ideas developed to explore the phenomenon in physical systems, which leads to new insights into the distribution functions of the interacting agents. It is our view that this approach, which combines both theory and empiricism, offers scope for further development and application. * John D. Williams, MathSciNet *Table of Contents1. Introduction ; 2. Reading financial data ; 3. Basics of probability ; 4. Time dependent processes and the Chapman-Kolmogorov equation ; 5. The Langevin approach to modelling Brownian motion ; 6. The Brownian motion model of asset prices ; 7. Generalized diffusion processes and the Fokker-Planck equation ; 8. Derivatives and options ; 9. Asset fluctuations and scaling ; 10. Models of asset fluctuations ; 11. Risk ; 12. Why markets crash ; 13. Two non-financial markets ; 14. An introduction to physical economics ; 15. Laws of physical economics ; 16. Markets ; 17. A simple model of trade ; 18. Production and economic growth ; 19. Economics and entropy ; 20. Approaches to non-equilibrium economics ; 21. The distribution of wealth in society ; 22. Conclusions and outlook
£76.95
Taylor & Francis Inc Statistical Mechanics
Book SynopsisThis classic graduate lecture note volume on statistical mechanics focuses on Physics, rather than mathematics. It provides a concise introduction to basic concepts and a clear presentation of difficult topics, while challenging the student to reflect upon as yet unanswered questions.Table of ContentsFront Matter -- INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICAL MECHANICS -- DENSITY MATRICES -- PATH INTEGRALS -- CLASSICAL SYSTEM OF N PARTICLES -- ORDER-DISORDER THEORY -- CREATION AND ANNIHILATION OPERATORS -- SPIN WAVES -- POLARON PROBLEM -- ELECTRON GAS IN A METAL -- SUPERCONDUCTIVITY -- SUPERFLUIDITY
£49.39
Pearson Education Introduction to Thermal Physics An
Book Synopsis
£64.38
John Wiley & Sons Inc Statistical Mechanics for Chemists
Book SynopsisA graduate-level text, this book introduces the concepts and equations of statistical mechanics for the chemist. It presents a treatment of the fundamentals, beginning with ideas and functions followed by a demonstration of applications and thermodynamic properties.Table of ContentsEnsembles. Independent Particles. Atoms and Molecules. Quantum Statistical Mechanics. Classical Statistical Mechanics. Fluids. Time Dependence. Bibliography. Index.
£159.26
John Wiley & Sons Inc Ordering and Phase Transitions in Charged
Book Synopsis* Physical chemists will find this book comprehensive. Topical reviews on all aspects of colloidal ordering and related phase transitions will be covered. It provides a good blend of experimental and theoretical investigations. * Useful to materials scientists and chemical engineers, the book includes a discussion of stability, important from the point of view of applications of colloidal crystals. * Physicists will be interested in the book, because it highlights the controversy over effective interparticle interaction in charged colloids.Table of ContentsFrom the Contents: Interaction, Ordering and Phase Transitions in Charged Colloids: An Introduction/ Video-Microscopic and X-Ray Scattering Studies of Colloidal Dispersions/ Direct Imaging of the Local Dynamics of Colloidal Phase Transitions/ Kinetics of Colloidal Crystallization/ Kossel-Line Analysis for Colloidal Crystal Growth/ Photothermal Stability of Colloidal Crystals/ Order-Disorder Transition in Charged Polydisperse Colloids/ Vapor-Liquid Condensation and Reentrant Transition in Charged Colloids/ Theory of Interactions in Charged Colloids/ Liquid-Solid Transition in Colloidal Suspensions with and without External Emodulations: Density Functional Theory/ Dynamics of Charged Colloidal Suspensions Across the Freezing and Glass Transition/ Determination of Interaction Forces in Colloids: Direct and Indirect Methods.
£305.96
John Wiley & Sons Inc Modes of Parametric Statistical Inference
Book SynopsisA fascinating investigation into the foundations of statistical inference This publication examines the distinct philosophical foundations of different statistical modes of parametric inference.Trade Review"…a terrific resource for students preparing for comprehensive exams and wanting to expand their understanding of statistical inference." (Biometrics, September 2007)Table of ContentsForeword. Preface. 1. A Forerunner. 2. Frequentist Analysis. 3. Likelihood. 4. Testing Hypotheses. 5. Unbiased and Invariant Tests. 6. Elements of Bayesianism. 7. Theories of Estimation. 8. Set and Interval Estimation. References. Index.
£110.66
John Wiley & Sons Inc Statistical Mechanics
Book SynopsisUnlike most other texts on the subject, this clear, concise introduction to the theory of microscopic bodies treats the modern theory of critical phenomena. Provides up-to-date coverage of recent major advances, including a self-contained description of thermodynamics and the classical kinetic theory of gases, interesting applications such as superfluids and the quantum Hall effect, several current research applications, The last three chapters are devoted to the Landau-Wilson approach to critical phenomena. Many new problems and illustrations have been added to this edition.Table of ContentsThe Laws of Thermodynamics. Some Applications of Thermodynamics. The Problem of Kinetic Theory. The Equilibrium State of a Dilute Gas. Transport Phenomena. Classical Statistical Mechanics. Canonical Ensemble and Grand Canonical Ensemble. Quantum Statistical Mechanics. General Properties of the Partition Function. Approximate Methods. Fermi Systems. Bose Systems. Superfluids. Ising Model. Onsager Solution. Critical Phenomena. The Landau Approach. Renormalization Group. Appendix. Index.
£200.66
John Wiley & Sons Inc Thermodynamics and an Introduction to
Book SynopsisThe only text to cover both thermodynamic and statistical mechanics----allowing students to fully master thermodynamics at the macroscopic level. Presents essential ideas on critical phenomena developed over the last decade in simple, qualitative terms.Table of ContentsGENERAL PRINCIPLES OF CLASSICAL THERMODYNAMICS. The Problem and the Postulates. The Conditions of Equilibrium. Some Formal Relationships, and Sample Systems. Reversible Processes and the Maximum Work Theorem. Alternative Formulations and Legendre Transformations. The Extremum Principle in the Legendre Transformed Representations. Maxwell Relations. Stability of Thermodynamic Systems. First-Order Phase Transitions. Critical Phenomena. The Nernst Postulate. Summary of Principles for General Systems. Properties of Materials. Irreversible Thermodynamics. STATISTICAL MECHANICS. Statistical Mechanics in the Entropy Representation: The Microanonical Formalism. The Canonical Formalism; Statistical Mechanics in Helmholtz Representation. Entropy and Disorder; Generalized Canonical Formulations. Quantum Fluids. Fluctuations. Variational Properties, Perturbation Expansions, and Mean Field Theory. FOUNDATIONS. Postlude: Symmetry and the Conceptual Foundations of Thermostatistics. Appendices. General References. Index.
£205.16
Cambridge University Press Nonequilibrium Molecular Dynamics
Book SynopsisThis book describes the growing field of nonequilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD), written in the form that will appeal to the general practitioner in molecular simulation. It introduces the theory fundamental to the field, namely nonequilibrium statistical mechanics and nonequilibrium thermodynamics, provides state-of-the-art algorithms and advice for designing reliable NEMD code, and examines applications for both atomic and molecular fluids. It discusses homogenous and inhomogeneous flows and pays considerable attention to highly confined fluids, such as nanofluidics. In addition to statistical mechanics and thermodynamics, the book covers such themes as temperature and thermodynamic fluxes and their computation, the theory and algorithms for homogeneous shear and elongational flows, response theory and its applications, heat and mass transport algorithms, applications in molecular rheology, highly confined fluids (nanofluidics), the phenomenon of slip and how to compute it from basic microscopic principles, and generalized hydrodynamics--Table of Contents1. Introduction; 2. Nonequilibrium thermodynamics; 3. Statistical mechanical foundations; 4. Temperature and thermodynamic fluxes; 5. Homogenous flows for atomic fluids - theory; 6. Homogenous flows for atomic fluids - applications; 7. Homogenous heat and mass transport; 8. Homogenous flows for molecular fluids; 9. Inhomogenous flows for atomic fluids; 10. Confined molecular fluids; 11. Generalised hydrodynamics and slip.
£70.99
Cambridge University Press Statistical Field Theory Volume 2 Strong Coupling Monte Carlo Methods Conformal Field Theory and Random Systems
Book SynopsisThis two-volume work provides a comprehensive and timely survey of the application of the methods of quantum field theory to statistical physics, a very active and fruitful area of modern research.Trade Review"Considérant la qualité du matériel et de la présentation, je trouve le prix excellent et je ne peux que recommander l'achat de ces deux bouquins." Physics in Canada"I strongly recommend these two volumes to anyone from intermediate graduate students to active experienced researchers to aging veterans who need to be reminded of or learn for the first time the broad conceptual framework underlying the many current applications of field theoretic methods." Paul Ginsparg, Foundations of Physics"...a useful addition to a personal or an institutional library at a modest cost." C. A. Hurst, Mathematical ReviewsTable of Contents1. Diagrammatic methods; 2. Numerical simulations; 3. Conformal invariance; 4. Disordered systems and Fermionic methods; 5. Random geometry.
£74.99
Cambridge University Press A Practical Guide to Data Analysis for Physical Science Students
Book SynopsisThis textbook is intended for undergraduates who are carrying out laboratory experiments in the physical sciences for the first time. It is a practical guide on how to analyse data and estimate errors. The necessary formulas for performing calculations are given, and the ideas behind them are explained, although this is not a formal text on statistics.Trade Review' … a very useful book … clear and lucid and designed to be taken into the laboratory … a valuable contribution to the education of physics undergraduates.' The Times Higher Education SupplementTable of ContentsPreface; Glossary; 1. Experimental errors; 1.1. Why estimate errors?; 1.2. Random and systematic errors; 1.3. Distributions; 1.4. Mean and variance; 1.5. Gaussian distribution; 1.6. The meaning of s; 1.7. Combining errors; 1.8. Systematic errors; 1.9. An example including random and systematic errors; 1.10. Combining results of different experiments; 1.11. Worked examples; 1.12. Does it feel right?; 2. Least squares fitting; 2.1. What are we trying to do; 2.2. Weighted sum of squares; 2.3. Determining the parameters; 2.4. The error on the gradient and the intercept; 2.5. Other examples; 2.6. Observed numbers; 2.7. Parameter testing; 2.8. Distribution testing; 2.9. Worked example of a straight line fit; 2.10. Summary of straight line fitting; Problems; Appendices.
£75.99
Cambridge University Press An Introduction to the Modeling of Neural Networks
This text is a beginning graduate-level introduction to neural networks, focussing on current theoretical models, examining what these models can reveal about how the brain functions, and discussing the ramifications for psychology, artificial intelligence and the construction of a new generation of intelligent computers.
£137.75
Cambridge University Press A Practical Guide to Data Analysis
Book SynopsisThis textbook is intended for undergraduates who are carrying out laboratory experiments in the physical sciences for the first time. It is a practical guide on how to analyse data and estimate errors. The necessary formulas for performing calculations are given, and the ideas behind them are explained, although this is not a formal text on statistics.Trade Review' … a very useful book … clear and lucid and designed to be taken into the laboratory … a valuable contribution to the education of physics undergraduates.' The Times Higher Education SupplementTable of ContentsPreface; Glossary; 1. Experimental errors; 1.1. Why estimate errors?; 1.2. Random and systematic errors; 1.3. Distributions; 1.4. Mean and variance; 1.5. Gaussian distribution; 1.6. The meaning of s; 1.7. Combining errors; 1.8. Systematic errors; 1.9. An example including random and systematic errors; 1.10. Combining results of different experiments; 1.11. Worked examples; 1.12. Does it feel right?; 2. Least squares fitting; 2.1. What are we trying to do; 2.2. Weighted sum of squares; 2.3. Determining the parameters; 2.4. The error on the gradient and the intercept; 2.5. Other examples; 2.6. Observed numbers; 2.7. Parameter testing; 2.8. Distribution testing; 2.9. Worked example of a straight line fit; 2.10. Summary of straight line fitting; Problems; Appendices.
£30.99
Cambridge University Press Scaling and Renormalization in Statistical
Book SynopsisA thoroughly modern graduate-level introduction to the theory of critical behaviour.Trade Review' … a short but very intelligible textbook well equilibrated by a variety of material.' V. Zagrebnov, Zentralblatt Math'Supported with interesting exercises at the end of each chapter, Cardy's book is likely to prove a popular introduction to this demanding but extraordinarily successful method for probing many complex phenomena.' Robert Matthews New ScientistTable of ContentsPreface; 1. Phase transitions in simple systems; 2. Mean field theory; 3. The renormalization group idea; 4. Phase diagrams and fixed points; 5. The perturbative renormalization group; 6. Near two dimensions; 7. Surface critical behaviour; 8. Random systems; 9. Polymer statistics; 10. Critical dynamics; 11. Conformal symmetry; Appendix: Gaussian integration; Selected bibliography; Index.
£53.99
Cambridge University Press String Theory and Particle Physics An Introduction to String Phenomenology
Book SynopsisAimed at graduate students and researchers working in high energy physics, this book is a systematic introduction to string phenomenology. Focused on the detailed description of how string theory is connected to the real world of particle physics, it provides explicit models of physics beyond the Standard Model.Trade Review'This is the first fully modern treatment of string compactifications, written by two of the masters of the subject. It provides an excellent general introduction to string theory, and in-depth coverage of both the latest developments (including detailed pedagogical discussions of frontier topics like flux compactifications and D-brane instanton effects), as well as more traditional subjects (such as model-building with heterotic strings). It will be invaluable as a textbook for curious students, and a reference volume of lasting value for experts working in the field. If, as many of us hope, the LHC era reveals new clues linking particle physics to string-scale physics, acquaintance with the material in this volume may well provide crucial tools for exploring and exploiting those links.' Shamit Kachru, Stanford University and SLAC'A clear exposition of the main ideas and ingredients necessary to connect string theory to the real world. An essential toolkit for the string theory model builder.' Juan Maldacena, Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton'… a unique and long awaited book written by two of the leading figures in the field … This is the first book that is devoted to summarise the research that has been performed during the past 25 years on the effort to extract physical implications of string theory … The authors have managed to find an excellent balance between the rigour of the content while at the same time making it pedagogical enough to be followed by a wide audience. It will provide invaluable and comprehensive material for graduate students entering the field, for non-string theorists who want to expand their research projects but also as the best authoritative source of information for active string theorists. This will be the standard reference on this active field for years to come.' Fernando Quevedo, Professor of Theoretical Physics, DAMTP, University of Cambridge and Director ICTP, Trieste'The scope of this book is impressive, covering all the major developments in the construction of compactified string theories. As an introduction to string theory it is excellent and, as a tool for constructing realistic models, unmatched. Essential reading for all those wishing to study string theory in depth and an invaluable reference for those already expert in the field.' Graham Ross, University of Oxford'… an excellent text. It is also a useful resource for experienced researchers, since much of the material, otherwise difficult to obtain (or even to read), has been curated in a pedagogically sound and clear fashion.' Physics TodayTable of ContentsPreface; 1. The standard model and beyond; 2. Supersymmetry; 3. Introduction to string theory: the bosonic string; 4. Superstrings; 5. Toroidal compactification of superstrings; 6. Branes and string duality; 7. Calabi–Yau compactifications of heterotic superstrings; 8. Heterotic string orbifolds and other exact CFT constructions; 9. Heterotic string compactifications: effective action; 10. Type IIA orientifold compactifications: intersecting brane worlds; 11. Type IIB orientifold compactifications; 12. Type II compactifications: effective action; 13. String instantons and effective field theory; 14. Flux compactifications and moduli stabilization; 15. Moduli stabilization and supersymmetry breaking in string theory; 16. Further phenomenological properties. Strings and cosmology; 17. The space of string vacua; Appendices; Index.
£47.99
Cambridge University Press Nonequilibrium Quantum Field Theory
£60.99
Cambridge University Press Differential Geometry and Lie Groups for Physicists
Book SynopsisDifferential geometry plays an increasingly important role in modern theoretical physics and applied mathematics. This textbook gives an introduction to geometrical topics useful in theoretical physics and applied mathematics, covering: manifolds, tensor fields, differential forms, connections, symplectic geometry, actions of Lie groups, bundles, spinors, and so on. Written in an informal style, the author places a strong emphasis on developing the understanding of the general theory through more than 1000 simple exercises, with complete solutions or detailed hints. The book will prepare readers for studying modern treatments of Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, electromagnetism, gauge fields, relativity and gravitation. Differential Geometry and Lie Groups for Physicists is well suited for courses in physics, mathematics and engineering for advanced undergraduate or graduate students, and can also be used for active self-study. The required mathematical background knowledge does nTrade ReviewReview of the hardback: 'All basic material that is necessary for a young scientist in the field of geometrical formulation of physical theories is included … ordered and represented in a very appropriate manner … with a great respect to the reader. … I truly believe that reading this book will bring a real pleasure to all physically inclined young mathematicians and mathematically inclined young physicists … a very good high level textbook … [I] recommend it to all young scientists being interested in finding correspondence between harmony in the physical world and harmony in geometrical structures. … well written, very well ordered and the exposition is very clear.' Journal of Geometry and Symmetry in PhysicsReview of the hardback: 'the contents of this book covers a lot (if not most) of what a theoretical physicist might wish to know about differential geometry and Lie groups. particularly useful may be that the modern formalism is always related to the classical one with tensor indices still mostly used in the physics literature.' American Mathematical SocietyReview of the hardback: '… the presentation is almost colloquial and this makes reading rather pleasant. The author has made a concerted effort to give intuitive interpretations of complicated ideas such as: the Lie derivative, tensors, the Hodge star operator, Lie group representations, Hamiltonian and Lagrangian mechanics, parallel transport, connections, curvature, gauge theories, spinors and Dirac operators. This will be much appreciated by students (and even researchers, I think). … an excellent reference for geometers.' Zentralblatt MATHReview of the hardback: 'The contents of this book cover a lot (if not most) of what a theoretical physicist might wish to know about differential geometry and Lie groups.' Mathematical Reviews Hans-Peter KünzleReview of the hardback: 'Marian Fecko deftly guides you through the material step-by-step, with all the rigour, but without the pain. When going through the chapters, definition by definition, proof by proof and hint by hint, you get an impression of a caring, experienced (and often quirkily funny, but never boring) tutor who really, really wants you to succeed.' Physics in CanadaReview of the hardback: 'From the point of view of presentation the book has a lot going for it. It is written in a pedagogically discursive, conversational style with numerous workable examples and exercises distributed through the text. … From the UK perspective a student undertaking a level 4 (level 5 in Scotland) or MSc course in theoretical physics would find this book well-pitched to his or her needs.' Contemporary PhysicsTable of ContentsIntroduction; 1. The concept of a manifold; 2. Vector and tensor fields; 3. Mappings of tensors induced by mappings of manifolds; 4. Lie derivative; 5. Exterior algebra; 6. Differential calculus of forms; 7. Integral calculus of forms; 8. Particular cases and applications of Stoke's Theorem; 9. Poincaré Lemma and cohomologies; 10. Lie Groups - basic facts; 11. Differential geometry of Lie Groups; 12. Representations of Lie Groups and Lie Algebras; 13. Actions of Lie Groups and Lie Algebras on manifolds; 14. Hamiltonian mechanics and symplectic manifolds; 15. Parallel transport and linear connection on M; 16. Field theory and the language of forms; 17. Differential geometry on TM and T*M; 18. Hamiltonian and Lagrangian equations; 19. Linear connection and the frame bundle; 20. Connection on a principal G-bundle; 21. Gauge theories and connections; 22. Spinor fields and Dirac operator; Appendices; Bibliography; Index.
£132.05
Cambridge University Press Mathematics for Physics A Guided Tour for Graduate Students
Book SynopsisAn engagingly-written account of mathematical tools and ideas, this book provides a graduate-level introduction to the mathematics used in research in physics. Topics are illustrated through carefully chosen examples, exercises and problems drawn from realistic physics settings. Solutions to the exercises are available at www.cambridge.org/9780521854030.Trade Review'The amount of material in Mathematics for Physics is definitely more than enough for two single-term courses; that provides a potential lecturer considerable flexibility. … The many features that make the book valuable to students and teachers also represent a substantial step toward making modern mathematics a part of the working arsenal of practising physicists. I strongly recommend it to those who feel the need to upgrade their mathematics repertoire.' Physics TodayTable of ContentsPreface; 1. Calculus of variations; 2. Function spaces; 3. Linear ordinary differential equations; 4. Linear differential operators; 5. Green functions; 6. Partial differential equations; 7. The mathematics of real waves; 8. Special functions; 9. Integral equations; 10. Vectors and tensors; 11. Differential calculus on manifolds; 12. Integration on manifolds; 13. An introduction to differential topology; 14. Group and group representations; 15. Lie groups; 16. The geometry of fibre bundles; 17. Complex analysis I; 18. Applications of complex variables; 19. Special functions and complex variables; Appendixes; Reference; Index.
£74.99
Cambridge University Press Statistical Physics of Fields
Book SynopsisThis textbook demonstrates how statistical field theories are formulated and studied. Initial chapters connect the particulate perspective developed in the companion volume, to the coarse grained statistical fields studied here. Ideal for advanced graduate courses in statistical physics; some solutions are provided with a full set for lecturers at www.cambridge.org/9780521873413.Trade Review'In this much-needed modern text, Kardar presents a remarkably clear view of statistical mechanics as a whole, revealing the relationships between different parts of this diverse subject. In two volumes, the classical beginnings of thermodynamics are connected smoothly to a thoroughly modern view of fluctuation effects, stochastic dynamics, and renormalization and scaling theory. Students will appreciate the precision and clarity in which difficult concepts are presented in generality and by example. I particularly like the wealth of interesting and instructive problems inspired by diverse phenomena throughout physics (and beyond!), which illustrate the power and broad applicability of statistical mechanics.' Leon Balents, University of California, Santa Barbara'Statistical Physics of Particles is the welcome result of an innovative and popular graduate course Kardar has been teaching at MIT for almost twenty years. It is a masterful account of the essentials of a subject which played a vital role in the development of twentieth century physics, not only surviving, but enriching the development of quantum mechanics. Its importance to science in the future can only increase with the rise of subjects such as quantitative biology. Statistical Physics of Fields builds on the foundation laid by the Statistical Physics of Particles, with an account of the revolutionary developments of the past 35 years, many of which were facilitated by renormalization group ideas. Much of the subject matter is inspired by problems in condensed matter physics, with a number of pioneering contributions originally due to Kardar himself. This lucid exposition should be of particular interest to theorists with backgrounds in field theory and statistical mechanics.' David R. Nelson, Harvard University'If Landau and Lifshitz were to prepare a new edition of their classic Statistical Physics text they might produce a book not unlike this gem by Mehran Kardar. Indeed, Kardar is an extremely rare scientist, being both brilliant in formalism and an astoundingly careful and thorough teacher. He demonstrates both aspects of his range of talents in this pair of books, which belong on the bookshelf of every serious student of theoretical statistical physics. Kardar does a particularly thorough job of explaining the subtleties of theoretical topics too new to have been included even in Landau and Lifshitz most recent Third Edition (1980), such as directed paths in random media and the dynamics of growing surfaces, which are not in any text to my knowledge. He also provides careful discussion of topics that do appear in most modern texts on theoretical statistical physics, such as scaling and renormalization group.' H. Eugene Stanley, Boston University'This is one of the most valuable textbook I have seen in a long time. Written by a leader in the field, it provides a crystal clear, elegant and comprehensive coverage of the field of statistical physics. I'm sure this book will become 'the' reference for the next generation of researchers, students and practitioners in statistical physics. I wish I had this book when I was a student but I will have the privilege to rely on it for my teaching.' Alessandro Vespignani, Indiana University'… the first eight chapters of Statistical Physics of Fields are stunning. … Kardar has produced an excellent and unique textbook that will serve our community well for many years.' Physics TodayTable of Contents1. Collective behaviour, from particles to fields; 2. Statistical fields; 3. Fluctuations; 4. The scaling hypothesis; 5. Perturbative renormalization group; 6. Lattice systems; 7. Series expansions; 8. Beyond spin waves; 9. Dissipative dynamics; 10. Directed paths in random media; Solutions to selected problems; Index.
£72.99
