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The study of "soft matter" materials with complex properties has raised a number of interesting problems in basic physics, biology, and materials science, all of which promise new and important technological applications. After a review of chemical bonds and phase transitions, the authors treat topics such as surface phenomena, stability of colloidal systems, structural properties of polymers, and topological defects. The monograph's emphasis on underlying physical principles offers a coherent treatment of the great variety of research in the field. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Soft Matter, emphasis on Liquid Crystals
Soft Matter Physics by Oleg and Maurice presents a very comprehensive account of the fundamental principles critical to understanding the phase behavior, disinclinations, defects, elasticity and dynamics of anisotropic phases. The material covered will be of interest to everyone even remotely connected with the study of liquid crystals.

The discussions are fairly recent, and the emphasis is on leading the reader through nearly every aspect of liquid crystal behavior, explained through a rich collection of equations, diagrams and analogies. A good understanding of this matter automatically leads to understanding of the other soft materials like colloids and polymers, that are discussed in last two chapters of the book. This book is uniquely useful in the detailed discussion of nematodynamics, elasticity of mesomorphic phases, dynamics of defects and disinclinations, liquid crystal order and phase transitions, fractals and growth phenomenon, drops of anistropic fluids: the insight offered for these topics makes it a must buy for the graduate students and scientists fascinated by LC phases.

One may wish to start with P. J. Collins to appreciate the beautiful science of liquid crystals, (its a book without equations), follow it up with this treatise to comprehend the mathematical details of phenomenon, then delve into the classic by de Gennes to learn the concepts from the master, and I guess finish off with Chaikin and Lubensky to become an expert in aspects related to liquid crystalline phases.
... Read more

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This is an approachable introduction to the important topics and recent developments in the field of condensed matter physics. First, the general language of quantum field theory is developed in a way appropriate for dealing with systems having a large number of degrees of freedom. This paves the way for a description of the basic processes in such systems. Applications include various aspects of superfluidity and superconductivity, as well as a detailed description of the fractional quantum Hall liquid. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A must for learning the modern approach to many body theory
First of all, I want to emphasize that my review below is
dedicated to both the "Quantum field theory of condensed matter
physics", and its companion volume "Quantum field of strongly
correlated electron systems".

Condensed matter physics, or more specially, the many body physics
has experienced some revolutionary changes in the past forty
years. Although the classic book by AGD still serves as the best
introduction to the Fermi liquid theory and the diagrammatic
techniques, there indeed exist a gap and a difference in flavors
between the older textbook and the research literature. As far as
I know, the only textbook prior to Nagaosa's two-volume set of
monograph, which stresses the functional integral approach to many
body physics is Negele and Orland's book. However, the latter is
devoted to the discussions of formalism. Only very few specific
condensed matter problems are addressed in this book and many
interesting results are buried in the unsolved problem sets. This
is an annoying feature for people who use this book for self
study.

In the past several years, some textbooks which stress the "modern
approaches" start to appear on the market. These include X.-G.
Wen's book and A. Altland and B. Simon's book. Both of the books
are very good. In my opinion, Nagaosa's two-volume set of little
books stand out from the following distinguishing features: First,
it is short and clear, and most of the calculational details are
clearly presented so that we can really finishing reading these
books. Second, within the limited pages, it does a good job of
introducing as many different topics as possible. For example, the
first volume contains a nice discussion of the classic topics such
as the RPA theory of the Coulomb gas and the Bogoliubov's theory
of superfludity. The discussion of the superconductivity is
completely modern. Nagaosa stresses the RG point of view and
presents a detailed discussions of the phase action and the effect
of dissipation on the Josephson junction. The first volume also
contains a nice discussion of the U(1) lattice gauge theory and
the related confinement problem. The last chapter has a brief but
nice introduction of the Chern-Simon gauge transformation and the
Ginzburg-Landau-Chern-Simons theory of the quantum Hall effect.
The second volume devotes more exclusively to the
"non-perturbative" techniques of field theory. Among them, the low
dimensional field theory techniques are neatly introduced in the
first two chapters. The book then turn into the introductions of
topics such as the t-J model, magnetic instabilities of correlated
electron systems, and the gauge theoretical approach to correlated
electron systems.

Overall, I would say that this two-volume set is a must for anyone
who is eager for learning a modern field theoretical approach to
many body physics. My only complaint about this book is about its
price , concerning it page number-to-price ratio. For this reason,
I give it four stars.
... Read more

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Neutron scattering has become a key technique for investigating the properties of materials on an atomic scale. The uniqueness of this method is based on the fact that the wavelength and energy of thermal neutrons ideally match interatomic distances and excitation energies in condensed matter, and thus neutron scattering is able to directly examine the static and dynamic properties of the material. In addition, neutrons carry a magnetic moment, which makes them a unique probe for detecting magnetic phenomena.

In this important book, an introduction to the basic principles and instrumental aspects of neutron scattering is provided, and the most important phenomena and materials properties in condensed matter physics are described and exemplified by typical neutron scattering experiments, with emphasis on explaining how the relevant information can be extracted from the measurements. ... Read more

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One of the Top Selling Physics Books according to YBP Library Services

Magnetic Anisotropies in Nanostructured Matter presents a compact summary of all the theoretical means to describe magnetic anisotropies and interlayer exchange coupling in nanosystems. The applications include free and capped magnetic surfaces, magnetic atoms on metallic substrates, nanowires, nanocontacts, and domain walls. Some applications also deal with temperature-dependent effects and ab initio magnetization dynamics.

The author clarifies parallel and antiparallel, the distinction between classical spin vectors and spinors, and the actual form of spin–orbit interactions, before showing how symmetry can provide the formal tools to properly define magnetic structures. After these introductory chapters, the book presents methods to describe anisotropic physical properties of magnetic nanostructures. It then focuses on magnetic anisotropy energies, exchange and Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interactions, temperature-dependent effects, spin dynamics, and related properties of systems nanostructured in one and two dimensions. The book also discusses how methods of describing electric and magneto-optical properties are applied to magnetic nanostructured matter. It concludes with an outlook on emerging magnetic anisotrophic effects.

Written by a leading researcher with over 35 years of experience in the field, this book examines the theory and modeling of magnetic anisotropies in nanostructured materials. It shows how these materials are used in a range of applications.

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This book develops the thesis that structure and function in a variety of condensed systems - from the atomic assemblies in inorganic frameworks and organic molecules, through molecular self-assemblies to proteins - can be unified when curvature and surface geometry are taken together with molecular shape and forces. An astonishing variety of synthetic and biological assemblies can be accurately modelled and understood in terms of hyperbolic surfaces, whose richness and beauty are only now being revealed by applied mathematicians, physicists, chemists and crystallographers. These surfaces, often close to periodic minimal surfaces, weave and twist through space, carving out interconnected labyrinths whose range of topologies and symmetries challenge the imaginative powers.

The book offers an overview of these structures and structural transformations, convincingly demonstrating their ubiquity in covalent frameworks from zeolites used for cracking oil and pollution control to enzymes and structural proteins, thermotropic and lyotropic bicontinuous mesophases formed by surfactants, detergents and lipids, synthetic block copolymer and protein networks, as well as biological cell assemblies, from muscles to membranes in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The relation between structure and function is analysed in terms of the previously neglected hidden variables of curvature and topology. Thus, the catalytic activity of zeolites and enzymes, the superior material properties of interpenetrating networks in microstructured polymer composites, the transport requirements in cells, the transmission of nerve signals and the folding of DNA can be more easily understood in the light of this.

The text is liberally sprinkled with figures and colour plates, making it accessible to both the beginning graduate student and researchers in condensed matter physics and chemistry, mineralogists, crystallographers and biologists. ... Read more

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Research into the stability of matter has been one of the most successful chapters in mathematical physics, and is a prime example of how modern mathematics can be applied to problems in physics. A unique account of the subject, this book provides a complete, self-contained description of research on the stability of matter problem. It introduces the necessary quantum mechanics to mathematicians, and aspects of functional analysis to physicists. The topics covered include electrodynamics of classical and quantized fields, Lieb-Thirring and other inequalities in spectral theory, inequalities in electrostatics, stability of large Coulomb systems, gravitational stability of stars, basics of equilibrium statistical mechanics, and the existence of the thermodynamic limit. The book is an up-to-date account for researchers, and its pedagogical style makes it suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses in mathematical physics. ... Read more

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This is a textbook which gradually introduces the student to the statistical mechanical study of the different phases of matter and to the phase transitions between them. Throughout, only simple models of both ordinary and soft matter are used but these are studied in full detail. The subject is developed in a pedagogical manner, starting from the basics, going from the simple ideal systems to the interacting systems, and ending with the more modern topics. The textbook provides the student with a complete overview, intentionally at an introductory level, of the theory of phase transitions. All equations and deductions are included.

Customer Reviews (1)

emphasis on soft matter
This volume is an enlarged version of the Spanish text "Fisica estadistica del equilibrio: Fases de la materia, Madrid, 2000" by C.F. Tejero and M. Baus.

The present text is aimed at students of theoretical physics, condensed matter physics, physical chemistry, and materials science. It is divided in four parts: Basics, Ideal Systems, Non-ideal Systems, and Advanced Topics. After each chapter many useful references can be found.

The book covers most of the topics of soft condensed matter, such as quasicrystals, topological defects, interfaces, liquid crystals, polymers, and colloids.

I am giving four stars because the style of writing is somehow below my expectations, if compared with the recent five star text from M. Kardar, Statistical Physics, 2007. ... Read more

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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

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Soft condensed matter physics relies on a fundamental understanding at the interface between physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering for a host of materials and circumstances that are related to, but outside, the traditional definition of condensed matter physics. Featuring contributions from leading researchers in the field, this book uniquely discusses both the contemporary experimental and computational manifestations of soft condensed matter systems. From particle tracking and image analysis, novel materials and computational methods, to confocal microscopy and bacterial assays, this book will equip the reader for collaborative and interdisciplinary research efforts relating to a range of modern problems in nonlinear and non-equilibrium systems. It will enable both graduate students and experienced researchers to supplement a more traditional understanding of thermodynamics and statistical systems with knowledge of the techniques used in contemporary investigations. Color versions of a selection of the figures are available at www.cambridge.org/9780521115902. ... Read more

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Exploring a steadily growing field, this book focuses on quantum phase transitions (QPT), frontier area of research. It takes a look back as well as a look forward to the future and the many open problems that remain. The book covers new concepts and directions in QPT and specific models and systems closely tied to particular experimental realization or theoretical methods. Although mainly theoretical, the book includes experimental chapters that make the discussion of QPTs meaningful. The book also presents recent advances in the numerical methods used to study QPTs.

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Condensed matter physics is the field of physics that deals with the macroscopic and microscopic physical properties of matter. In particular, it is concerned with the 'condensed' phases that appear whenever the number of constituents in a system is extremely large and the interactions between the constituents are strong. This book discusses calcium orthophosphate cements and concretes, sinter-alloying properties of manganese steels; composite laminates performance enhancement by nanoparticle dispersion; fullerenol research; the application of liquid crystals in cholesteric and pretransitional phases; biodegradable hydrogels as drug delivery systems for tissue engineering; and other related topical data. This series presents a collection of papers exploring the most current and cutting edge research in the condensed matter field. ... Read more

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Condensed matter physics is the field of physics that deals with the macroscopic and microscopic physical properties of matter. In particular, it is concerned with the 'condensed' phases that appear whenever the number of constituents in a system is extremely large and the interactions between the constituents are strong. The most familiar examples of condensed phases are solids and liquids, which arise from the electromagnetic forces between atoms. This book discusses topics such as: the development, properties, application and machinability of superalloy Inconel; zirconia and allumina bioceramic biocompatibility; aeronautical superalloys joined by projection CDW process; electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis of the microstructure of Ni2MnGa shape memory alloys; and, thermoelectric power in the characterisation of Inconel 718 and others. ... Read more

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There is a continuing growth of interest in the computer simulation of materials at the atomic scale, using a variety of academic and commercial computer programs. In all such programs there is some physical model of the inter-atomic forces, which may be based on something as simple as a pair interaction, such as the Lennard-Jones model, or as complex as a self-consistent, all-electron solution of the quantum mechanical problem. For a student or researcher, the basis of such models is often shrouded in mystery. It is usually unclear how well founded they are, since it is hard to find a discussion of the physical assumptions that have been made in their construction.The lack of clear understanding of the scope and limitations of a given model may lead to its innocent misuse, resulting either in unfair criticism of the model or in the dissemination of nonsensical results.

In the present book, models of inter-atomic forces are derived from a common physical basis, namely the density functional theory. The interested reader will be able to follow the detailed derivation of pairwise potentials in simple metals, tight-binding models from the simplest to the most sophisticated (self-consistent) kind, and various ionic models.The book is self-contained, requiring no more background than provided by an undergraduate quantum mechanics course. It aims to furnish the reader with a critical appreciation of the broad range of models in current use, and to provide the tools for understanding other variants that are described in the literature.Some of the material is new, and some pointers are given to possible future avenues of model development. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great content but could be written in a simpler manner
I read this book as preparation for my Ph.D. comprehensive exams.Specifically, I wanted to improve my understanding of materials modelling and density functional theory.This book did accomplish this.It provides a very comprehensive study of how interatomic forces are calculated in solids.Density functional theory, tight binding, empirical potentials, linear response theory, phonon calculation, and elastic constants were all here.

The focus was tight; with minimal straying into related topics such as electronic structure, Monte Carlo, or modelling of gases or liquids.As such, this book is great for materials engineers and scientists, but is useless for chemists and probably most physicists.

The book leans towards the theoretical side; minimal discussion of how the different equations would be implemented into code.Hence don't use this book as a guide to writing a simulation software.But do use it as a guide to understanding how to use a simulation software to obtain results.Suprisingly, the text does not require a lot of prior knowledge in thermodynamics, crystallography, quantum, or solid state; thereby making it more readable for people from a wide range of technical backgrounds.

I recommend this as a textbook for a course on atomistic scale modeling of solids, with one reservation.It is short, well organized, and since it is written by one author, the text flows much better than many other textbooks in materials modelling which are usually written by a team of authors.But it is not written in the simplest manner possible.Many of the concepts are explained in purely mathematical terms; i.e. derivations and proofs.This is great for the mathematically inclined but death to everyone else.Instead, many of the concepts should have been accompanied by figures and diagrams to help the reader visualize what is going on.This is especially true in the chapter on elastic constants.The text delved right into matrix math, when it should have used figures showing how crystal cells of different lattice types can be deformed along different crystallographic directions. ... Read more

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Liquid 4He and 3He are the purest Bose and Fermi liquids currently found in nature.Understanding theirdynamics is fundamental to understanding more complex matter.This book provides an introduction to the subject and develops the theory of zero sound, phonons, rotons, spin and single particle excitations in quantum solids and fluids.Similarities between quantum solids and fluids are drawn wherever possible.Topics include dynamic response functions, neutron studies of solid helium, the nature of excitations in 3He, approximations to the dynamic susceptibility, and intermediate and high momentum transfer, among many others. In offering a critical comparison between theory and up-to-the-minute experimental data, the book provides a comprehensive assessment of our current understanding of collective and single particle excitations in quantum liquids and solids. ... Read more

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This book presents the latest research in two leading areas of physics. ... Read more

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One of the most important aspects of solid materials is the regularity of the arrangement of the constituent molecules, that is, the long-range order. The focus of this book is on the contribution made by the ordering of bond orientations (as distinguished from the orientations of the molecules themselves) on the behavior of condensed systems, particularly their phase transitions. Examples in which bond-orientational effects play an important role are liquid crystals, quasicrystals, and two-dimensional crystals. This book contains contributions by many of the foremost researchers in the field. The chapters are tutorial reviews of the subject, written both for the active researcher looking for a review of a topic and for the graduate student investigating an exciting area of research. The contributions include an overview by J.D. Brock, Cornell; a discussion of computer simulation studies by K.J. Strandburg, Argonne; chapters on phase transition in hexatic liquid crystals by C.C. Huang, Minnesota and C.A. Murray, Texas A&M; and chapters on quasicrystals by S. Sachdev, Yale, M.V. Jaric, A.I. Goldman, Iowa State, and T.-L. Ho, Ohio State. ... Read more