Mesoscopic Physics of Electrons and Photons

2007 introduction to quantum mesoscopic physics for graduate students and researchers in physics and engineering.

Eric Akkermans (Author), Gilles Montambaux (Author)

9780521855129, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 24 May 2007

608 pages
25.4 x 18 x 3.5 cm, 1.34 kg

Review of the hardback: 'This text serves as both a good introductory text to the propagation of waves in complex and disordered media and a handbook for those already working in the field.' Contemporary Physics

Quantum mesoscopic physics covers a whole class in interference effects related to the propagation of waves in complex and random media. These effects are ubiquitous in physics, from the behaviour of electrons in metals and semiconductors to the propagation of electromagnetic waves in suspensions such as colloids, and quantum systems like cold atomic gases. A solid introduction to quantum mesoscopic physics, this book is a modern account of the problem of coherent wave propagation in random media. It provides a unified account of the basic theoretical tools and methods, highlighting the common aspects of the various optical and electronic phenomena involved and presenting a large number of experimental results. With over 200 figures, and exercises throughout, the book was originally published in 2007 and is ideal for graduate students in physics, electrical engineering, applied physics, acoustics and astrophysics. It will also be an interesting reference for researchers.

1. Introduction: mesoscopic physics
2. Wave equations in random media
3. Perturbation theory
4. Probability of quantum diffusion
5. Properties of the diffusion equation
6. Dephasing
7. Electronic transport
8. Coherent backscattering of light
9. Diffusing wave spectroscopy
10. Spectral properties of disordered metals
11. Universal conductance fluctuations
12. Correlations of speckle patterns
13. Interactions and diffusion
14. Orbital magnetism and persistent currents
15. Formulary
Index.

Subject Areas: Electrical engineering [THR], Condensed matter physics [liquid state & solid state physics PHFC]