Customer Reviews (1)

Great Reference
This is a very read-able overview of radiation oncology physics and I would recommend it. ... Read more

Product Description

The Physics of Atoms and Quanta is a thorough introduction to experiments and theory in this field. Every classical and modern aspect is included and discussed in detail. The new edition is completely revised, new sections on atoms in strong electric fields and high magnetic fields complete the comprehensive coverage of all topics related to atoms and quanta.

All new developments, such as new experiments on quantum entanglement, the quantum computer, quantum information, the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen paradoxon, Bell's inequality, Schrödinger's cat, decoherence, Bose-Einstein-Condensation and the atom laser are discussed. Over 170 problems and their solutions help deepen the insight in this subject area and make this book a real study text.

The more advanced book by the same authors entitled Molecular Physics and Elements of Quantum Chemistry coplements this unique textbook.

Customer Reviews (3)

The Physics of Atoms and Quanta:Introduction to Experiments and Theory
Text is clearly written and covers relevant topics for advanced undergraduate or beginning graduate students.Problems have been relevant to text material and at a level appropriate to the written text.Beginning chapters are clearly redundant with most Modern Physics texts, but still appropriate for setting up the Atomic Physics chapters in the text.My current knowledge of the book is overwhelmingly positive and it would encourage me to recommend it to others looking for this material.

Amazon provided the text in excellent condition within their specified time frame and at their advertized price.

A rare work
This book is indeed clear and easy to read and undoubtedly useful for advanced undergraduates and I imagine it would be a good review for would-be postgraduates. It also introduces more advanced topics, such as the Klein-Gordon and Dirac equations and introduces many topical issues. Very good at conveying the mathematical 'tricks of the trade' but unlike so many texts on quantum physics, this book is actually a physics book! Not only does it deal with the mathematical structure of the theory, but it has a satisfying and detailed presentation of the experiments! It is also superbly illustrated (as all text books should be!). I find that too many authours these days seem to care more for the maths than the physics - let us not forget what physics is for! In my mind this is one of the best advanced undergraduate quantum physics texts that I have seen. It is also a great educational work - solutions to problems are provided which is essential for self-study, which this book is admirably suited for (in addition to being quite suitable for directly supporting a taught course). This book is very student friendly, a rare thing these days, and far more readable and entertaining than many other books on quantum physics.

OK book on Atom Physics
This book is very readable and very clear. It can be used in advanced undergrad courses on atom physics. It treats the development of AtomPhysics theory and experiments (Rutherford, Bohr etc.). It providesexplanations to many practical quantum problems in the field of atomphysics, so it can also be used to clarify problems in a Quantum Physicscourse. Some example problems briefly discussed in books like Gasiorowiczor David Griffiths on QF were very well explained here. Quite complete onthe subject of Atom Physics. Exercises with (brief) solutions. Germanauthors seem to have done a thorough job. Negative points: heavy,expensive, limited subject, published some time ago. I consider it a goodbuy afterall. ... Read more

Product Description
Written by one of the world's leading researchers and his colleagues, this unique book is devoted to the relativistic theory of atomic spectra, based on the adiabatic S-matrix formalism of Gell-Mann and Low. QED theory, applications of S-matrix QED calculations to energy levels, transition probabilities, parity nonconservation in spectra, and theoretical background of adiabatic formalism are discussed. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

This book is terrible
This book so intractable, I don't see how you can understand it unless you are the crack addict that taught this guy how to write textbooks in the first place.This book Presupposes that you have a PhD before you read it.I don't.I am attempting to get mine.It is incredibly difficult when woodgate just spouts things off rediculously.The circus of confusion starts when he begins to define the energy of photons in terms of inverse centimeters.While it is quite clear why you COULD do this, it has never been made clear to me why you WOULD do this.And why does woodgate have an aversion to using eV?He relies on Kelvin a lot.If you intend to use this book, be sure you have GRADUATE Stat/Mech or Stat Thermo FIRST.A full GRADUATE treatment of quantum mechanics is also a MUST.Don't even attempt to pick up this deceptively light book until then.You simply can't teach yourself anything out of this book.For example he tells you that you need to take the norm of the J+J- Matrix for part of one of his many derivations.That's all well and good and if you are an AMO physicist, it is probably quite clear to you what he is talking about, but according to all my linear algebra textbooks, the "norm" is one of the most poorly defined words there is.If it's a vector, then it could be the length.If it's a matrix it's any positive number associated with the matrix that has one of six or so properties.....so how are you suppossed to figure out which one he's talking about?A brief comment would have helped here...but then the book would be 800 pages if it were properly annotated.In short this book sucks.

Brief review
Excellent text on Atomic spectroscopy-written by an expert. ... Read more

Product Description
This book provides an introduction to the classical, quantum and symmetry aspects of multipole theory, demonstrating the successes of the theory and also its unphysical aspects.It presents a transformation theory, which removes these unphysical properties.The book will be of interest to physics students wishing to advance their knowledge of multipole theory, and also a useful reference work for molecular and optical physicists, theoretical chemists working on multipole effects, solid state physicists studying the effects of electromagnetic fields on condensed matter, engineers and applied mathematicians with interests in anisotrpoic materials.An interesting recent development has been the increasing use of computer calculations in applications of multipole theory.The book should assist computational physicists and chemists wishing to work in this area to acquire the necessary background in multipole theory. ... Read more

Product Description
This graduate text introduces relativistic quantum theory, emphasizing important applications in condensed matter physics. Relativistic quantum theory is the unification of Einstein's theory of relativity and the quantum mechanics of Bohr, Schrödinger and Heisenberg.Beginning with basic theory, the book then describes essential topics.It includes many worked examples and exercises as well as an extensive reference list.This clear account of a crucial topic will be valuable to graduates and researchers working in condensed matter physics and quantum physics. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

good for solid state physicists
A short paragraph from this book:
"Now the transformation of (7.18) is just a matter of multiplying out the matrices defined in (7.19) in the right order. It takes several pages of algebra, and it is very easy to make mistakes (believe me, I speak from experience). Therefore, I suggest you either do not do it, or, if possible, set it as an exercise for anyone who particularly irritates you."
Now I say, any textbook with this kind of writing can't be too bad. Still, this book is "not" an easy one. It's an invaluable reference for physicists working on magnetic properties from the Dirac theory up, as one reviewer said. Not the best for high-energy oriented, though.

RQM-Paul Strange
I have read this book as a physics undergraduate and also since I started my Ph.D. in theoretical physics, and I have found it, unlike other text books, very well written and extremely helpful. Itis highly recommendablefor undergraduates and the maths is very easy to follow for any scienceundergraduate or graduate. It is definitely one of the best relativisticquantume mechanics books available.

Relativistic Quantum Mechanics-Paul Strange
As an final year undergraduate taking an option in Relativistic quantum Mechanics I found this book invaluable in helping me with the course. It's clear, concise explanations of Relativistic Quantum theories made the wholesubject that much easier to get to grips with.

Puts RQM into state-of-the-art solid state physics
Already decades ago many excellent books dealing with relativistic quantum mechanics (RQM) have been published. Clearly one of the unique features of the RQM book by P. Strange is that it does not only discuss the generalconcepts of RQM in (Chapters 1-10), but also describes in a great detailelectronic structure and various x-ray spectroscopy theories used in thestate-of-the-art research of magnetic materials (Chapters 10-12). Also astudent learning quantum mechanics for solid state might feel therelativistic one-dimensional Kronig-Penney model in Chapter 9 quite useful.Interestingly, a relativistic version of the microscopic theory ofsuperconductivity in the framework of the Bogolubov-de Gennes equations hasbeen presented in Chapter 13. A nice extra feature is that the SI system ofunits has been used throughout the book.

All in all, Relativistic QuantumMechanics book by P. Strange works as a valuable textbook as well asreference material for graduate students and researchers. It isespeciallyuseful for those studying solid state magnetism from microscopic theoryviewpoint. Bringing RQM into the context of solid state physics research(Chapters 10-13) is obviously one of the best features of the book.

Relativistic Quantum Mechanics
This book starts at a level easily accessible to a final year undergraduate and develops the subject to the level of a researcher in condensed matter physics. I found the book easy to read and instructive.Chapter 9 is particularly good, being entirely devoted to solving severalmodel problems. I thoroughly recommend this book as a clear and wellwritten text. ... Read more

Product Description
This popular book introduces the ideas, terminology, and techniques of high-energy physics. Views of matter from the atom down to the quark are discussed historically, in language that is accessible to readers who have no physics background. The author has also added a list of Web sites where the reader can find more information on particle physics. Introduction by Sheldon Glashow ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Perfect Condition
The book was in mint condition.It's a great GRE review for general particle physics knowledge.
- short read
- simple examples and problems at the end of each chapter (with solutions)
- recommended for the novice and undergrad physics major for test prep

Good for the layman
If you're unfamiliar with the world of particle physics I think this book is a good read. Despite some reviewers distaste with the student essays, I find the story telling aspect of the book helps the reader gain a more clear and concise perspective of what they are explaining. It seems easier to take in information when it is in story form over just straight facts layed out. Maybe I'm just childish, but oh well. This book will give you a basic understanding of basic particles, without overwhelming you with information that will in most cases just confuse the beginner. My only qualms is it's short and slightly dated (pre CERNs Large Hadron Collider).

A very good supplementary reading for high school students
A clear and concise introduction to particle physics.High school students who are interested in knowing more about particle physics will find this book very useful.Good to have one in a school library.

Don't waste your money.... or your time.
This book has some value, hence 2 stars not one. But slogging through student essays on how quarks date (really!)is insufferable.

Get Gordan Kane's "The Particle Garden" and get more.

Very Helpful Book
I have found this book simple and straightforward.It is a great introduction that cuts out unnecessary detail and introduces students to the basic facts they need to know.I give this book to both undergraduateand graduate students who join my High Energy Physics research group. Though it is aimed at a more general audience, I find that it is a nicefocused introduction and confidence builder for my research students. ... Read more

Product Description
Praised as 'one of the best new optics books seen for some time', this book will provide a unique presentation of classical optics from the modern perspective. Written for advanced undergraduate students, the text stands out by its readability and stimulating discussions, close ties to experimental physics, and excellent choice of worked problem sets. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Intermediate text, very readable, conversational tone...
Born and Wolf is a classic, but tough sledding at times. If it is a common topic in optics, you probably will prefer reading about it here instead. This book has a nice conversational tone, gives insight, and is reasonably detailed (but not exhaustive). It includes a lot of practical advice in small-type paragraphs in margins throughout the book (for example, the chapter on thin films notes that the refractive index can often vary with deposition method, etc.). ... Read more

Product Description

It became clear in the early days of fusion research that the effects of the containment vessel (erosion of "impurities") degrade the overall fusion plasma performance. Progress in controlled nuclear fusion research over the last decade has led to magnetically confined plasmas that, in turn, are sufficiently powerful to damage the vessel structures over its lifetime. This book reviews current understanding and concepts to deal with this remaining critical design issue for fusion reactors. It reviews both progress and open questions, largely in terms of available and sought-after plasma-surface interaction data and atomic/molecular data related to these "plasma edge" issues.

Customer Reviews (1)

very technical
An extremely technical overview of somewhat current research. Includes most of the problems associated with controlled fusion reactions including tritium retention along with the proposed solutions. Contains multiple diagrams that properly illustrate key components and statistics pertaining to their operation. Surprisingly conveys various theoretical ideas like internal walls composed of metals with low melting temperatures to hopefully lessen or rid the design of tritium retention. I would recommend this book only to those with extensive chemical physics training or something equivalent. Not at all easy to read, but communicates material adequately. ... Read more

Product Description
Filling the need for a book that conveys the current technology as well as the underlying history and physical background, this book tells physicists and engineers how to measure time to the precision required for modern-day use. The authors draw on their longstanding research experience with timekeeping and high-precision measurement to cover the use of satellites in measuring earth movement variation and the influence of the moon, while also dwelling on such topics as timekeeping aboard satellites and time transfer.

Indispensable for high-precision measurements of processes in astrophysics, and relevant for measurement, navigation and communication, this monograph can be equally used as a course book or as accompanying work at advanced undergraduate or graduate level. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

THE book about time
This book provides a great overview of the very latest methods of determining time, and a good description of all the modern time scales and an explanation of why they exist. While the book includes a number of equations, those who actually carry out these determinations, or who design atomic clocks, will have to look elsewhere for the nitty-gritty details. Details are also provided for methods used in the 20th century.

A brief overview of pre-20th century methods of keeping time is also provided.

The coverage of calendars is cursory. ... Read more

Product Description
This volume provides a thorough, up-to-date treatment of the application of quantum scattering theory to low-energy atomic collision phenomena.The first unified expository approach to the subject in book form, it includes much new information reflecting the results of recent investigations.The material is divided into three main areas:static field scattering, electron-atom collisions and atom-atom collisions.Within these areas, individual topics are presented in a complete and self-contained manner, with emphasis placed on the understanding of the physics involved and the calculation of reliable cross sections.Intended primarily for researchers and graduate students in atomic physics, atmospheric physics, and astrophysics, this book will also prove a highly accessible source of information to the chemist interested in atomic scattering. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
This title provides the latest information on nuclear physics. Based on a course entitled Applications of Nuclear Physics. Written from an experimental point of view this text is broadly divided into two parts, firstly a general introduction to Nuclear Physics and secondly its applications.
* Includes chapters on practical examples and problems
* Contains hints to solving problems which are included in the appendix
* Avoids complex and extensive mathematical treatments
* A modern approach to nuclear physics, covering the basic theory, but emphasising the many and important applications ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A nice book for general course on the subject
I have been teaching introductory nuclear physics courses for many years and in many places, and his book has one particular property, it gives clear explanations on some complex topics, like nuclear reactions, just to pick one example.
The same topic, at this level, in other texts, takes pages and pages or you have to go forward and backward inside the book because the topic is splitted, see for instance Wong's book, which is quite good but for other level and in this particular case Wiong's book is quite confusing and lacking physics details too. Also normally there is a need for a lot of deep math to follow the topics, what makes sometimes physics to be left on the back stage.
Here in Lilley's book is the opposite, physics comes first and detailed calculations are left to be taken from other books or from references.
It does not compete with Krane's book but it is a complementary one. Another example, on the nuclear reaction chapter, it should be compared with Cottingham chapter 8, then you can see the difference, in Cottingham there is almost nothing (In some how this is the kind of books to be compared with).
In my opinion this book fits very well in what should be a reasonable understanding for general students that thake nuclear physics as a complement or that they need it for general background in applied technology, which includes nuclear techniques among other ones.
So for general purpose courses on the topic that is more intended to applications I give 5 stars, but for physics students I give 4 stars because in that case I believe the application part is too extensive compared with the more fundamental one, which could go deeper on topics like nuclear structure, with the same clear vision that the author developed in the rest of the book.

Not a good textbook!
I've been using this book as the required textbook for an undergraduate introductory nuclear physics course and I have to say this is one the worst textbooks I've ever had. The organization of the book is very abrupt and absolutely challenging to read. In fact, I've spend more time deciphering Lilley's writing to English instead of trying to understand the actual concept. The book also has more of a story like approach and wordy explanations which is not that desirable since it severely undermines the mathematics necessary for the subject. Moreover, the problems accompany each chapter are so badly worded that you'd never know what they're asking for until you look up the solution at the end. Maybe a good complementary book but not a good main textbook.

Really good
I used this book to prepare an exam corresponding to a 3rd year introductory nuclear physics course. I've received, in general, a really good impression, even though my contact with the text is been limited to the first -"Principles"- part of the book. My valutation, separating good ("+") and bad ("-") impressions is

(+) Lots of figures illustrating key concepts of the text, almost ever including experimental data plotting.
(+) Concise explanations.
(+) Structured treatment of topics.
(+) Explanations at an undergraduate level. Perfect for a 3rd - 4th year physics student.
(+) Little knowledge concerning other matters is required, just a few quantum mechanics and special relativity concepts that are anyway explained when needed.
(+) Author doesn't get lost into exhaustive and unnecessary mathematical developments.
(+) Supplementary appendices at the end of the book with useful imformation, also including every known isotope mass excess, half-time (or abbundance) and decay mode (if unstable).
(+) Includes exercises at the end of each chapter, solved in the appendices.
(+) Author refers to every theory valutating pros and cons of each one, never discarding any of them.

(-) More other books references while explanations are being developed would be helpful.
(-) Sometimes is difficult to discern which are the secondary or really important topics.
(-) If English is not your mother language you should take into account that sometimes a little bit complex sentences are used. ... Read more

Product Description
Both the interpretation of atomic spectra and the application of atomic spectroscopy to current problems in astrophysics, laser physics, and thermonuclear plasmas require a thorough knowledge of the Slater-Condon theory of atomic structure and spectra. This book gathers together aspects of the theory that are widely scattered in the literature and augments them to produce a coherent set of closed-form equations suitable both for computer calculations on cases of arbitrary complexity and for hand calculations for very simple cases. ... Read more

Product Description

When a powerful femtosecond laser pulse propagates in an optical medium, self-focusing occurs. This book reviews the current up-to-date understanding of the physics of propagation leading to the self-transformation of the laser pulse into a white light laser pulse during self-focusing and filamentation. The physics of multiple filamentation and competition will be discussed. Its capability to melting glasses inside the filaments is observed which explains the physics of wave guide writing. Its potential applications in atmospheric sensing and material processing together with possible future challenges in the interaction of such self-transformed white light laser pulses with atoms and molecules will be treated. Nonlinear optics such as third harmonic generation in the filaments with self-phase locking will also be discussed.

Customer Reviews (1)

A good introduction
This book provides a step-by-step introduction to graphical calculations related to angular momentum (matrix elements of irreducible tensor operators, sums of 3-j coefficients...) Chapters 1 to 4 are a nicealternative to the treatments found in the books by Elbaz or Brinks andSatchler. Chapters 5 to 8 cover the fundamentals of the Hartree-Fock methodfor many-electron atoms. Readers interested by the perturbative treatmentof many-body effects in atoms can directly start from Chapter 9, whichbegins a series of chapters that forms a thorough approach to Lindgren'smethod for calculating energy levels in atoms. ... Read more

Product Description
This book surveys the physics of the quantum, finite many-body systems that are the basis of nanostructures such as fullerenes and metal clusters. The ab-initio techniques for describing the single-particle motion (electrons) and the collective degrees of freedom (plasmons and phonons) and their interaction are discussed in detail and applied to the study of phenomena such as the electromagnetic response and superconductivity of these systems. Built around current research and drawing upon lectures given to advanced undergraduates, the book will interest students, young researchers and practitioners in the fields of solid-state and atomic physics and physical chemistry. ... Read more

Product Description
An uncommonly clear and cogent investigation and correlation of key aspects of theoretical nuclear physics by leading experts: the nucleus, nuclear forces, nuclear spectroscopy, two-, three- and four-body problems, nuclear reactions, beta-decay and nuclear shell structure. Directed to the experimental physicist working in nuclear physics or graduate students who know the essential concepts and problems. 112 illustrations.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Classic Physics Text
After having this book checked out from the library for 3 years, I finally purchased it. What a relief!

still germane
Another classic reprint by Dover. The physics in this is still fresh and germane to a newcomer to nuclear physics. A previous background in elementary quantum mechanics is needed. This text then applies that knowledge to the special conditions in a nucleus.

The measurement of fission products and alpha, beta and gamma emissions is explained. Vital for experimentalists, so that you can deduce what the nuclear reaction was.

The fact that this is not primarily an experimentalist book helds keep it useful. The latter type would need to be updated with the latest instrumentation capabilities and results. Whereas the ideas and derivations here still hold. ... Read more