Principles of Condensed Matter Physics

This successful and widely-reviewed book covering the physics of condensed matter systems is now available in paperback.

P. M. Chaikin (Author), T. C. Lubensky (Author)

9780521794503, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 28 September 2000

720 pages, 290 b/w illus. 15 tables 91 exercises
24.4 x 17 x 4.1 cm, 1.29 kg

'… a thoroughly forward-looking modern book which focuses on the ever-expanding area in between traditional condensed matter physics and statistical mechanics … This is a very well written text which should prove a handy reference …'. C. C. Matthai, European Journal of Physics

Now in paperback, this book provides an overview of the physics of condensed matter systems. Assuming a familiarity with the basics of quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics, the book establishes a general framework for describing condensed phases of matter, based on symmetries and conservation laws. It explores the role of spatial dimensionality and microscopic interactions in determining the nature of phase transitions, as well as discussing the structure and properties of materials with different symmetries. Particular attention is given to critical phenomena and renormalization group methods. The properties of liquids, liquid crystals, quasicrystals, crystalline solids, magnetically ordered systems and amorphous solids are investigated in terms of their symmetry, generalised rigidity, hydrodynamics and topological defect structure. In addition to serving as a course text, this book is an essential reference for students and researchers in physics, applied physics, chemistry, materials science and engineering, who are interested in modern condensed matter physics.

Preface
1. Overview
2. Structure and scattering
3. Thermodynamics and statistical mechanics
4. Mean-field theory
5. Field theories, critical phenomena, and the renormalization group
6. Generalized elasticity
7. Dynamics: correlation and response
8. Hydrodynamics
9. Topological defects
10. Walls, kinks and solitons
Glossary
Index.

Subject Areas: Electronics engineering [TJF], Materials science [TGM], Solid state chemistry [PNRS], Condensed matter physics [liquid state & solid state physics PHFC], Physics [PH]