Introduction to Mesoscopic Physics (Mesoscopic Physics and Nanotechnology) [Hardcover]

Joseph Imry (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 13, 1997 | ISBN-10: 0195101677 | ISBN-13: 978-0195101676

"Mesoscopic physics" refers to the physics of structures larger than a nanometer (one billionth of a meter) but smaller than a micrometer (one millionth of a meter). This size range is the stage on which the exciting new research on submicroscopic and electronic and mechanical devices is being done. This research often crosses the boundary between physics and engineering, since engineering such tiny electronic components requires a firm grasp of quantum physics. Applications for the future may include such wonders as microscopic robot surgeons that travel through the blood stream to repair clogged arteries, submicroscopic actuators and builders, and supercomputers that fit on the head of a pin. The world of the future is being planned and built by physicists, engineers, and chemists working in the microscopic realm. This book can be used as the main text in a course on mesoscopic physics or as a supplementary text in electronic devices, semiconductor devices, and condensed matter physics courses.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A propitious beginning for Oxford University Press's series Mesoscopic Physics and Nanotechnology. This is an area of physics in which there has been recent explosive development, made possible by nanofabrication methods and equipment, the development of which has been driven in turn by the technological goal of achieving ever denser digital electronic circuitry. As the physical limits of conventional electronic devices are approached, the understanding of the remarkable new physics of very small devices will be crucial for continued technological progress." --Michael Tinkham, Harvard University, in Physics Today

"Imry, who is one of the central figures in the development of the field, provides in this text a valuable overview of these new physical phenomena. . . .This interesting and relatively brief new book brings the reader into contact with some exciting developments in a very active area of condensed matter physics. It provides a ready reference to the main themes and results and belongs on the desks of all workers in this field." --Michael Tinkham, Harvard University, in Physics Today

"A key role in these developments [leading to the current work in mesoscopic physics] was played by Yoseph Imry, who has now written a book to share his insights. The time is right. Mesoscopic physics has reached a certain maturity, and many universities have included it as a course topic. It makes indeed a wonderful subject for students, since it provides real-life application of what they have learned in their quantum mechanics courses. Imry's book is the first comprehensive introduction to the field. . . .This is an excellent introduction to a new field of physics. It should appeal to teachers looking for a course that crosses the boundaries between traditional courses on statistical mechanics, quantum mechanics, and solid-state physics. I plan to use it myself for such a course in the near future. More advanced researchers will benefit from Imry's insightful qualitative explanations." --Journal of Statistical Physics

"The appearance of this introductory book is...quite timely. The author is one of the most active researchers in this field, so the reader is able to delve into a variety of problems related by a common base to study the interplay among the developed ingredients and to perceive the atmosphere of their formation. Moreover, many questions are unsolved so far, and the book promises to provide a view of where they are already substantiated." --Materials Research Bulletin

About the Author

Joseph Imry is at Weizman Institute.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 248 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (February 13, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195101677
• ISBN-13: 978-0195101676
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,215,088 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Mesoscopic jargong, May 7, 2000

By 

Hanno Essen (Stockholm Sweden) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Introduction to Mesoscopic Physics (Mesoscopic Physics and Nanotechnology) (Hardcover)

If you need the vocabulary, the names, and the important references in the field of mesoscopic physics this is the book for you. If you want physical insight and understanding you must look elsewhere (god knows where?). All derivations start with some random non-fundamental formula and ends in another. Clarity and coherence seem far away.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A terrible book, July 9, 2004

By 

Ben Lou (Berkeley, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Introduction to Mesoscopic Physics (Mesoscopic Physics and Nanotechnology, 2) (Hardcover)

This book is definitely not written for grad students or anyone who is just interested in the field and wants to get an general idea of it. I'm sure the author could make the book little easier to read, but it seems he just did not want it that way.

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Work!!, January 11, 2009

By 

Shiv Akarsh Meka (San Jose, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Introduction to Mesoscopic Physics (Mesoscopic Physics and Nanotechnology) (Paperback)

Contrary to what the others said, I found the book complete. I was reading the process of 'Dephasing in semiconductors' and it was thoroughly described. But by no means, it serves as an introductory text (as the title says). You need to be an advanced reader already having enough experience with quantum transport.