The relationship between liquids and gases engaged the attention of a number of distinguished scientists in the mid 19th Century. In a definitive paper published in 1869, Thomas Andrews described experiments he performed on carbon dioxide and from which he concluded that a critical temperature exists below which liquids and gases are distinct phases of matter, but above which they merge into a single fluid phase. During the years which followed, other natural phenomena were discovered to which the same critical point description can be applied - such as ferromagnetism and solutions. This book provides an historical account of theoretical explanations of critical phenomena which ultimately led to a major triumph of statistical mechanics in the 20th Century - with the award of the Nobel Prize for Physics

Many courses on modern quantum field theory focus on the formulation and application of field theory, leaving topics related to symmetry underdeveloped. This leads to students often having an incomplete understanding of symmetries. Filling this gap, Symmetries and Symmetry Breaking in Field Theory sheds light on various aspects of symmetry in field theory. The book presents a broad selection of important topics, including constraint theory, generalized Pauli-Villars regularization, the measure approach to anomalies, zeta function regularization, and anomalous gauge theories. The author explains how some classical symmetries are broken by anomalies and how other symmetries of the theory are spontaneously broken. He discusses all of the ideas in as simple a way as possible.

Despite the large quantity of phenomenological information concerning the bulk properties of nematic phase liquid crystals, little is understood about the origin of the surface energy, particularly the surface, interfacial, and anchoring properties of liquid crystals that affect the performance of liquid crystal devices. Self-contained and unique, Adsorption Phenomena and Anchoring Energy in Nematic Liquid Crystals provides an account of new and established results spanning three decades of research into the problems of anchoring energy and adsorption phenomena in liquid crystals. The book contains a detailed discussion of the origin and possible sources of anchoring energy in nematic liquid crystals, emphasizing the dielectric contribution to the anchoring energy in particular. Beginning with fundamental surface and anchoring properties of liquid crystals and the definition of the nematic phase, the authors explain how selective ion adsorption, dielectric energy density, thickness dependence, and bias voltage dependence influence the uniform alignment of liquid crystals and affect the performance of liquid crystal devices. They also discuss fundamental equations regulating the adsorption phenomenon and the dynamic aspects of ion adsorption phenomenon in liquid crystalline systems. Adsorption Phenomena and Anchoring Energy in Nematic Liquid Crystals serves as an excellent source of reference for graduates and researchers working in liquid crystals, complex fluids, condensed matter physics, statistical physics, chemical engineering, and electronic engineering, as well as providing a useful general introduction to and background information on the nematic liquid crystal phase.

Spectroscopic Techniques and Hindered Molecular Motion presents a united, theoretical approach to studying classical local thermal motion of small molecules and molecular fragments in crystals by spectroscopic techniques. Mono- and polycrystalline case studies demonstrate performance validity. The book focuses on small molecules and molecular fragments, such as N2, HCl, CO2, CH4, H2O, NH4, BeF4, NH3, CH2, CH3, C6H6, SF6, and other symmetrical atomic formations, which exhibit local hindered motion in molecular condensed media: molecular and ionic crystals, molecular liquids, liquid crystals, polymeric solids, and biological objects. It reviews the state of studying the hindered molecular motion (HMM) phenomenon and the experimental works on the basis of the latest theoretical research. Case Studies Physical models of hindered molecular motion General solution of the stochastic problem for the hindered molecular motion in crystals Formulae of the angular autocorrelation function symmetrized on the crystallographic point symmetry groups Formulae of the spectral line shapes concerning the dielectric, infrared, Raman, nuclear magnetic relaxation, and neutron scattering spectroscopy in the presence of the hindered molecular motion Experimental probation of the theoretical outcomes Proton relaxation in three-atomic molecular fragments undergoing axial symmetry hindered motion Structural distortion in the ordered phase of crystalline ammonium chloride Organic compounds, polymers, pharmaceutical products, and biological systems consist of the molecular fragments, which possess rotational or conformational degrees of freedom or an atomic exchange within the fragme

Ferroic materials are important, not only because of the improved understanding of condensed matter, but also because of their present and potential device applications. This book presents a unified description of ferroic materials at an introductory level, with the unifying factor being the occurrence of nondisruptive phase transitions in crystals that alter point-group symmetry. The book also aims to further systemitize the subject of ferroic materials, employing some formal, carefully worded, definitions and classification schemes. The basic physical principles leading to the wide-ranging applications of ferroic materials are also explained, while placing extra emphasis on the utilitarian role of symmetry in materials science.

One of the first books to cover advanced silicon-based technologies, Advanced Silicon and Semiconducting Silicon Alloy-Based Materials and Devices presents important directions for research into silicon, its alloy-based semiconducting devices, and its development in commercial applications. The first section deals with single/mono crystalline silicon, focusing on the effects of heavy doping; the structure and electronic properties of defects and their impact on devices; the MBE of silicon, silicon alloys, and metals; CVD techniques for silicon and silicon germanium; the material properties of silicon germanium strained layers; silicon germanium heterojunction bipolar applications; FETs, IR detectors, and resonant tunneling devices in silicon, silicon germanium, and d-doped silicon; and the fascinating properties of crystalline silicon carbide and its applications. The second section explores polycrystalline silicon. It examines large grain polysilicon substrates for solar cells; the properties, analysis, and modeling of polysilicon TFTs; the technology of polysilicon TFTs in LCD displays; and the use of polycrystalline silicon and its alloys in VLSI applications. With contributors from leading academic and industrial research centers, this book provides wide coverage of fabrication techniques, material properties, and device applications.

Quantum field theory is arguably the most far-reaching and beautiful physical theory ever constructed, with aspects more stringently tested and verified to greater precision than any other theory in physics. Unfortunately, the subject has gained a notorious reputation for difficulty, with forbidding looking mathematics and a peculiar diagrammatic language described in an array of unforgiving, weighty textbooks aimed firmly at aspiring professionals. However, quantum field theory is too important, too beautiful, and too engaging to be restricted to the professionals. This book on quantum field theory is designed to be different. It is written by experimental physicists and aims to provide the interested amateur with a bridge from undergraduate physics to quantum field theory. The imagined reader is a gifted amateur, possessing a curious and adaptable mind, looking to be told an entertaining and intellectually stimulating story, but who will not feel patronised if a few mathematical niceties are spelled out in detail. Using numerous worked examples, diagrams, and careful physically motivated explanations, this book will smooth the path towards understanding the radically different and revolutionary view of the physical world that quantum field theory provides, and which all physicists should have the opportunity to experience.

This book will introduce advanced concepts and topics of solid-state theory.

Kinetics and Thermodynamics of Fast Particles in Solids examines the kinetics and non-equilibrium statistical thermodynamics of fast charged particles moving in crystals in different modes. It follows a line of research very different from traditional ways of constructing a theory of radiation effects, which gives a purely mechanistic interpretation of particle motion. In contrast, this book takes into account the thermodynamic forces due to separation of the thermodynamic parameters of the subsystem of particles ("hot" atoms) on the parameters of the thermostat (electrons and lattice), in addition to covering the various mechanisms of collisions. Topics Include: Construction of a local kinetic equation of Boltzmann type for fast particles interacting with the conduction electrons and lattice vibrations, on the basis of the principles of Bogolyubov's kinetic theory Calculation of the equilibrium energy and angular distributions of fast particles at a depth of the order of coherence length, and the evolution of particle distribution with increasing depth of penetration of the beam Calculation of transverse quasi-temperature of channeled particles with the heating of the beam in the process of diffusion of particles in the space of transverse energies, as well as cooling the beam through a dissipative process Research in the framework of non-equilibrium thermodynamics of the relaxation kinetics of random particles, including the thermodynamics of positronium atoms moving in insulators under laser irradiation Analysis of the kinetics of hot carriers in semiconductors and thermalization of hot carriers, as well as the calculation of the statistical distribution of ejected atoms formed during the displacement cascade The book sets a new direction of the theory of radiation effects in solids-non-equilibrium statistical thermodynamics

This thesis presents analytical theoretical studies on the interplay between charge density waves (CDW) and superconductivity (SC) in the actively studied transition-metal dichalcogenide 1T-TiSe2. It begins by reapproaching a years-long debate over the nature of the phase transition to the commensurate CDW (CCDW) state and the role played by the intrinsic tendency towards excitonic condensation in this system. A Ginzburg-Landau phenomenological theory was subsequently developed to understand the experimentally observed transition from commensurate to incommensurate CDW (ICDW) order with doping or pressure, and the emergence of a superconducting dome that coexists with ICDW. Finally, to characterize microscopically the effects of the interplay between CDW and SC, the spectrum of CDW fluctuations beyond mean-field was studied in detail. In the aggregate, the work reported here provides an encompassing understanding of what are possibly key microscopic underpinnings of the CDW and SC physics in TiSe2.

The proceedings cover the latest research in advanced materials such as design, synthesis and development of new materials, processing technology for new materials, and modeling and simulation of materials processing.

This book provides a new understanding of the large amount of experimental results gained in solid state physics during the last seven decades. For more than 160 different materials, data analyses shown in terms of atomistic models (Hamiltonians) have not provided a quantitatively satisfactory description of either excitation spectra or dynamic properties. Instead, the experimental evidences have elaborated that field theories are necessary. However, most experimentalists are not familiar with field theories, and realistic field theories of magnetism are absent.The book illustrates in an empirical way the elements of future field theories of solid state physics with special emphasis on magnetic materials. In contrast to the many available textbooks on quantum field theories that emphasize more on algorithmic formalities rather than referring to the experimental facts, the approach in this book is pragmatic instead of abstract theoretic. This methodical concept considerably facilitates experimentalists to get acquainted with the basic ideas of field theories, even if a ready field theory is not provided by this experimental study.

Low-dimensional semiconductor quantum structures are a major, high-technological development that has a considerable industrial potential. The field is developing extremely rapidly and the present book represents a timely guide to the latest developments in device technology, fundamental properties, and some remarkable applications. The content is largely tutorial, and the book could be used as a textbook. The book deals with the physics, fabrication, characteristics and performance of devices based on low-dimensional semiconductor structures. It opens with fabrication procedures. The fundamentals of quantum structures and electro-optical devices are dealt with extensively. Nonlinear optical devices are discussed from the point of view of physics and applications of exciton saturation in MQW structures. Waveguide-based devices are also described in terms of linear and nonlinear coupling. The basics of pseudomorphic HEMT technology, device physics and materials layer design are presented. Each aspect is reviewed from the elementary basics up to the latest developments. Audience: Undergraduates in electrical engineering, graduates in physics and engineering schools. Useful for active scientists and engineers wishing to update their knowledge and understanding of recent developments.

This volume is devoted to the theory of superfluid quantum liquids, describing the Landau theory of a neutral Fermi liquid in order to illustrate, in comparatively elementary fashion, the way both quantum statistics and particle interaction determine system behavior.

The orientation and physical context of the CMT Series of Workshops have always been cross-disciplinary, but with an emphasis placed on the common concerns of theorists applying many-particle concepts in diverse areas of physics. In this spirit, CMT33 chose to focus special attention on exotic fermionic and bosonic systems, quantum magnets and their quantum and thermal phase transitions, novel condensed matter systems for renewable energy sources, the physics of nanosystems and nanotechnology, and applications of molecular dynamics and density functional theory.

This invaluable textbook presents the basic elements needed to understand and research into semiconductor physics. It deals with elementary excitations in bulk and low-dimensional semiconductors, including quantum wells, quantum wires and quantum dots. The basic principles underlying optical nonlinearities are developed, including excitonic and many-body plasma effects. Fundamentals of optical bistability, semiconductor lasers, femtosecond excitation, the optical Stark effect, the semiconductor photon echo, magneto-optic effects, as well as bulk and quantum-confined FranzKeldysh effects, are covered. The material is presented in sufficient detail for graduate students and researchers with a general background in quantum mechanics.

This fifth edition includes an additional chapter on 'Quantum Optical Effects' where the theory of quantum optical effects in semiconductors is detailed. Besides deriving the 'semiconductor luminescence equations' and the expression for the stationary luminescence spectrum, the results are presented to show the importance of Coulombic effects on the semiconductor luminescence and to elucidate the role of excitonic populations.

Choice Recommended Title, January 2020 Providing a vital resource in tune with the massive advancements in accelerator technologies that have taken place over the past 50 years, Accelerator Radiation Physics for Personnel and Environmental Protection is a comprehensive reference for accelerator designers, operators, managers, health and safety staff, and governmental regulators. Up-to-date with the latest developments in the field, it allows readers to effectively work together to ensure radiation safety for workers, to protect the environment, and adhere to all applicable standards and regulations. This book will also be of interest to graduate and advanced undergraduate students in physics and engineering who are studying accelerator physics. Features: Explores accelerator radiation physics and the latest results and research in a comprehensive single volume, fulfilling a need in the market for an up-to-date book on this topic Contains problems designed to enhance learning Addresses undergraduates with a background in math and/or science

Just as the circle number or the Euler constant e determines mathematics, fundamental constants of nature define the scales of the natural sciences. This book presents a new perspective by means of a few axioms and compares the resulting validity with experimental data. By the axiomatic approach Sommerfeld's mysterious fine-structure constant and Dirac's cosmic number are fixed as pure number constants. Thanks to these number constants, it is possible to calculate the value for the anomalous magnetic-moment of the electron in a simple way compared to QED calculations. With the same number constants it is also possible to calculate masses, partial lifetimes, magnetic-moments or charge radii of fundamental particles. The expressions used for the calculations, with few exceptions, yield values within the experimental error limits of the Particle Data Group. The author shows that the introduced number constants give even better predictions than the complicated QED calculations of today's doctrine. In the first part only experimental data from the literature for checking the postulates are used. In the second part the author explains electrical transport measurements with emergent behaviour, which were carried out in a professional environment.

This invaluable textbook presents the basic elements needed to understand and research into semiconductor physics. It deals with elementary excitations in bulk and low-dimensional semiconductors, including quantum wells, quantum wires and quantum dots. The basic principles underlying optical nonlinearities are developed, including excitonic and many-body plasma effects. Fundamentals of optical bistability, semiconductor lasers, femtosecond excitation, the optical Stark effect, the semiconductor photon echo, magneto-optic effects, as well as bulk and quantum-confined FranzKeldysh effects, are covered. The material is presented in sufficient detail for graduate students and researchers with a general background in quantum mechanics.

This fifth edition includes an additional chapter on 'Quantum Optical Effects' where the theory of quantum optical effects in semiconductors is detailed. Besides deriving the 'semiconductor luminescence equations' and the expression for the stationary luminescence spectrum, the results are presented to show the importance of Coulombic effects on the semiconductor luminescence and to elucidate the role of excitonic populations.

Granular materials are an integral part of our everyday life. They are also the base material for most industrial processing techniques. The highly dissipative nature of the particle collisions means energy input is needed in order to mobilize the grains. This interplay of dissipation and excitation leads to a wide variety of pattern formation processes, which are addressed in this book. The reader is introduced to this wide field by, first, a description of the material properties of granular materials under different experimental conditions that are important in connection with the pattern formation dynamics and, second, by further details given later on in the description of the specific system.

In the past twenty years, new experimental approaches, improved models and progress in simulation techniques brought new insights into long-standing issues concerning dislocation-based plasticity in crystalline materials. During this period, three-dimensional dislocation dynamics simulations appeared and reached maturity. Their objectives are to unravel the relation between individual and collective dislocation processes at the mesoscale, to establish connections with atom-scale studies of dislocation core properties and to bridge, in combination with modelling, the gap between defect properties and phenomenological continuum models for plastic flow. Dislocation dynamics simulations are becoming accessible to a wide range of users. This book presents to students and researchers in materials science and mechanical engineering a comprehensive coverage of the physical body of knowledge on which they are based. It includes classical studies, which are too often ignored, recent experimental and theoretical advances, as well as a discussion of selected applications on various topics.

Over the last 25 years, dynamical mean-field theory (DMFT) has emerged as one of the most powerful new developments in many-body physics. Written by one of the key researchers in the field, this book presents the first comprehensive treatment of this ever-developing topic. Transport in Mutlilayered Nanostructures is varied and modern in its scope, and:A series of over 50 problems help develop the skills to allow readers to reach the level of being able to contribute to research. This book is suitable for an advanced graduate course in DMFT, and for individualized study by graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and advanced researchers wishing to enter the field.

This volume on Ultrafast Magnetism is a collection of articles presented at the international "Ultrafast Magnetization Conference" held at the Congress Center in Strasbourg, France, from October 28th to November 1st, 2013. This first conference, which is intended to be held every two years, received a wonderful attendance and gathered scientists from 27 countries in the field of Femtomagnetism, encompassing many theoretical and experimental research subjects related to the spins dynamics in bulk or nanostructured materials. The participants appreciated this unique opportunity for discussing new ideas and debating on various physical interpretations of the reported phenomena. The format of a single session with many oral contributions as well as extensive time for poster presentations allowed researchers to have a detailed overview of the field. Importantly, one could sense that, in addition to studying fundamental magnetic phenomena, ultrafast magnetism has entered in a phase where applied physics and engineering are playing an important role. Several devices are being proposed with exciting R&D perspectives in the near future, in particular for magnetic recording, time resolved magnetic imaging and spin polarized transport, therefore establishing connections between various aspects of modern magnetism. Simultaneously, the diversity of techniques and experimental configurations has flourished during the past years, employing in particular Xrays, visible, infra-red and terahertz radiations. It was also obvious that an important effort is being made for tracking the dynamics of spins and magnetic domains at the nanometer scale, opening the pathway to exciting future developments. The concerted efforts between theoretical and experimental approaches for explaining the dynamical behaviors of angular momentum and energy levels, on different classes of magnetic materials, are worth pointing out. Finally it was unanimously recognized that the quality of the scientific oral and poster presentations contributed to bring the conference to a very high international standard.

The monograph reviews various aspects of electronic properties of Dirac and Weyl semimetals. After a brief discussion of 2D Dirac semimetals, a comprehensive review of 3D materials is given. The description starts from an overview of the topological properties and symmetries of Dirac and Weyl semimetals. In addition, several low-energy models of Dirac and Weyl quasiparticles are presented. The key ab initio approaches and material realizations are given. The monograph includes detailed discussions of the surface Fermi arcs, anomalous transport properties, and collective modes of Dirac and Weyl semimetals. Superconductivity in these materials is briefly addressed.