Condensed Matter Field Theory [Hardcover]

Alexander Altland (Author), Ben Simons (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521845084 | ISBN-13: 978-0521845083 | Publication Date: June 12, 2006

Over the past few decades, in concert with ground-breaking experimental advances, condensed matter theory has drawn increasingly from the language of low-energy quantum field theory. This primer is aimed at elevating graduate students of condensed matter theory to a level where they can engage in independent research. It emphasizes the development of modern methods of classical and quantum field theory with applications oriented around condensed matter physics. Topics covered include second quantization, path and functional field integration, mean-field theory and collective phenomena, the renormalization group, and topology. Conceptual aspects and formal methodology are emphasized, but the discussion is rooted firmly in practical experimental application. As well as routine exercises, the text includes extended and challenging problems, with fully worked solutions, designed to provide a bridge between formal manipulations and research-oriented thinking. This book will complement graduate level courses on theoretical quantum condensed matter physics.

Editorial Reviews

Review

" ... this work is so well written that it succeeds in making even the most intricate and abstruse models admirably clear ... it is timely in that it brings the reader completely up to date on most of the newer approaches currently in vogue ... eminently suitable for researchers in the field ... could also be read with interest by advanced students because the numerous info sections elucidate and expand upon the many themes addressed ... this very attractive book will remain a standard reference work in its field for years to come." Chemistry World

Book Description

This primer on modern condensed matter theory emphasizes the development of modern methods of classical and quantum field theory with applications drawn from condensed matter physics. The text includes extended and challenging problems with fully worked solutions, and will complement graduate level courses on theoretical quantum condensed matter physics.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 636 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (June 12, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521845084
• ISBN-13: 978-0521845083
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 7.2 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,452,480 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Coverage of this material that I've come across, November 23, 2008

By 

A. Potter - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Condensed Matter Field Theory (Hardcover)

This book presents condensed matter field theory from a very modern standpoint, using the language of (euclidean space) path integrals. In addition to a good discussion on mean field theory, the includes more modern topics, and includes extensive discussions of the renormalization group, topological field theories. Furthermore, the coverage is very intuitive, but simultaneously does not shy away from the more subtle technical details. The authors are also careful to point out and explain potential points of confusion. Finally, there are a number of excercises (each accompanied by a brief solution, which makes the book great for self-study!).

In summary, this book is the most readible introduction to condensed matter field theory that I've come across. It's a necessary, and welcome addition to the current literature.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simple Language, January 23, 2007

By 

Eberth A. Correa (Brasília, Brazil) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Condensed Matter Field Theory (Hardcover)

This book is a good introduction to Field Theory applied in condensed matter physics. In dealing with two difficult subjects the authors do it in a very simple language. This is very important either to beginners or experts. There are very good solved examples to illustrate each section. Besides, there are small boxes citing the people behind the development of the issue.

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Landmark of Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics book!!!, February 4, 2007

By 

D. Jin "David" (Brown University) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Condensed Matter Field Theory (Hardcover)

This is an extremely well-written book, which covers almost all the modern topics in condensed matter physics while keeps the physics and mathematics clear and simple.

It is an invaluable reference or textbook for graduate students who are interested in theoretical condensed matter physics, esp. in strongly correlated systems.

It is almost the best book I have seen for a graduate student to study the functional method, renormalization-group theory, etc., applied to condensed matter systems.