Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics: Volume 1 [Paperback]

Feng Duan (Author), Jin Guojin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2005 | ISBN-10: 981256070X | ISBN-13: 978-9812560704

This is volume 1 of two-volume book that presents an excellent, comprehensive exposition of the multi-faceted subjects of modern condensed matter physics, unified within an original and coherent conceptual framework. Traditional subjects such as band theory and lattice dynamics are tightly organized in this framework, while many new developments emerge spontaneously from it. In this volume, · Basic concepts are emphasized; usually they are intuitively introduced, then more precisely formulated, and compared with correlated concepts. · A plethora of new topics, such as quasicrystals, photonic crystals, GMR, TMR, CMR, high Tc superconductors, Bose–Einstein condensation, etc., are presented with sharp physical insights. · Bond and band approaches are discussed in parallel, breaking the barrier between physics and chemistry. · A highly accessible chapter is included on correlated electronic states — rarely found in an introductory text. · Introductory chapters on tunneling, mesoscopic phenomena, and quantum-confined nanostructures constitute a sound foundation for nanoscience and nanotechnology. · The text is profusely illustrated with about 500 figures.

Product Details

• Paperback: 616 pages
• Publisher: World Scientific Publishing Company (July 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 981256070X
• ISBN-13: 978-9812560704
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 7.6 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,235,879 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great introduction text to condensed matter physics, February 12, 2007

By 

S. Cheng "eagle" (MD USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics: Volume 1 (Paperback)

This book was written by two respected Chinese physicists. It tries to give a coherent account to the whole subject of condensed matter physics. To do this, it builds up an unified framework based upon concepts such as elementary excitations, topological defects, broken symmetry, rigidity, emergent phenomena, collective phenomena, coherence, localization, etc. In the first part, authors discuss thoroughly the structure of matter in condensed phase, which is not readily available in other texts on condensed matter physics. In the second part, authors focus on wave behavior in condensed matter systems with different structures. Things like electrons, phonons, photons in periodic or quasiperiodic systems are discussed. This part has also covered topics like surface and impurity effects, transport, tunneling, and Anderson localization. The third part introduce bond and band approaches to electronic structures of materials. Two other chapters in this part are given to correlated electron systems and nanostructures like quantum well/wire/dots, respectively. The fourth part is the last part of this volume, which covers phase transition and various ordered phases. Landau theory is introduced and applied to liquid crystals and other systems. Magnetism, superconductivity, and superfluidity are discussed. Finally, a chapter on broken ergodicity is included, which is an important concept to the phase transitions that are not directly related to broken symmetry.

Overall, this book is a great introduction to condensed matter physics. It can also serves as a reference for research physicists. Many discussions in the book are illuminating. The book is well organized. The framework taken in the book is very helpful for graduate students to gain a deeper and wider understanding of condensed matter physics as a whole. In one word, this book is highly recommended for those who want to study condensed matter physics.