Phase transitions in which crystalline solids undergo structural changes present an interesting problem in the interplay between the crystal structure and the ordering process. This text, intended for readers with some prior knowledge of condensed-matter physics, emphasizes the basic physics behind such spontaneous structural changes in crystals. Starting with the relevant thermodynamic principles, the book discusses the nature of order variables and their collective motion in a crystal lattice; in a structural phase transition a singularity in such a collective mode is responsible for the lattice instability, as revealed by soft phonons. This mechanism is analogous to the interplay of a charge-density wave and a periodically deformed lattice in low-dimensional conductors. The text also describes experimental methods for modulated crystal structures and gives examples of structural changes in representative systems. The book is divided into two parts. The first, theoretical, part includes such topics as: the Landau theory of phase transitions; statistics, correlations and the mean-field approximation; pseudospins and their collective modes; soft lattice modes and pseudospin condensates; lattice imperfections and their role in the phase transitions of real crystals. The second part discusses experimental studies of modulated crystals using x-ray diffraction, neutron inelastic scattering, light scattering, dielectric measurements, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Nonlinear physics is a well-established discipline in physics today, and this book offers a comprehensive account of the basic soliton theory and its applications.

This book is unique because unlike others on the subject that focus on mathematical arguments, this volume emphasizes the original field concept, aiming at objectives in modern information technology. Written primarily for undergraduate students of physics and engineering, this book serves as a useful reference for graduate students and researchers too. With concise introductory arguments for the physics of electromagnetism, this book covers basic topics including the nature of space-time-dependent radiations in modern applications.

Phase transitions in which crystalline solids undergo structural changes present an interesting problem in the interplay between the crystal structure and the ordering process. This text, intended for readers with some prior knowledge of condensed-matter physics, emphasizes the basic physics behind such spontaneous structural changes in crystals. Starting with the relevant thermodynamic principles, the book discusses the nature of order variables and their collective motion in a crystal lattice; in a structural phase transition a singularity in such a collective mode is responsible for the lattice instability, as revealed by soft phonons. This mechanism is analogous to the interplay of a charge-density wave and a periodically deformed lattice in low-dimensional conductors. The text also describes experimental methods for modulated crystal structures and gives examples of structural changes in representative systems. The book is divided into two parts. The first, theoretical, part includes such topics as: the Landau theory of phase transitions; statistics, correlations and the mean-field approximation; pseudospins and their collective modes; soft lattice modes and pseudospin condensates; lattice imperfections and their role in the phase transitions of real crystals. The second part discusses experimental studies of modulated crystals using x-ray diffraction, neutron inelastic scattering, light scattering, dielectric measurements, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Nonlinear physics is a well-established discipline in physics today, and this book offers a comprehensive account of the basic soliton theory and its applications. Although primarily mathematical, the theory for nonlinear phenomena in practical environments needs to be understood at upper undergraduate level, with particular attention given to the presence of media where nonlinearity takes place. This book addresses mathematical theories, but also suggests possible theoretical innovations for many issues, providing a stimulating reference for both students and researchers.

"This book explores modern thermodynamics of crystalline states, through the lens of soliton theory. Right from the start, the book revises traditional theories of these concepts with soliton theory in mind. Although well-established as a mathematical nonlinear physics, this is the first time that a book uses soliton theory to deal with nonlinear processes in crystals, clarifying dynamical aspects logically, as demonstrated for superconductivity in modulated crystals. The book explores the soliton theory of crystalline processes, from irreversible processes in Crystals, to Phase Transitions and Mesoscopic Disorder, Statistical Thermodynamics of Modulated Lattices, and Superconductivity"--