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Books in Physics

Physics titles offer comprehensive research and advancements across the fundamental and applied areas of physical science. From quantum mechanics and particle physics to astrophysics and materials science, these titles drive innovation and deepen understanding of the principles governing the universe. Essential for researchers, educators, and students, this collection supports scientific progress and practical applications across a diverse range of physics disciplines.

  • Physics and Chemistry of the Solar System

    • 1st Edition
    • December 2, 2012
    • John Lewis
    • English
    Physics and Chemistry of the Solar System focuses on planetary physics and chemistry. This book consists of 12 chapters. Chapters I to IV cover the general properties and environment of the planetary system. The solar system beyond Mars is elaborated in Chapters V to VIII, while the inner solar system is considered in Chapters XI to XII. In these chapters, this compilation specifically discusses the limitations on big bang nucleosynthesis; structure and classification of galaxies; and mass and angular momentum distribution. The radio wave propagation in space plasmas; interiors of Jupiter and Saturn; density and composition of icy satellites; and evaporation and non-gravitational forces are also deliberated. This text also explains the physical properties of meteorites; geology of the Moon; geophysical data on Mars; and search for extraterrestrial intelligence. This publication is a good reference for first-year graduate students who intend to take graduate courses in specialized areas of planetary sciences, as well as practicing Ph.D. scientists with training in physics, chemistry, geology, astronomy, meteorology, and biology.
  • Superstring Construction

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 4
    • December 2, 2012
    • A.N. Schellekens
    • English
    The book includes a selection of papers on the construction of superstring theories, mainly written during the years 1984-1987. It covers ten-dimensional supersymmetric and non-supersymmetric strings, four-dimensional heterotic strings and four-dimensional type-II strings. An introduction to more recent developments in conformal field theory in relation to string construction is provided.
  • Fluctuation Phenomena

    • 1st Edition
    • December 2, 2012
    • E Montroll
    • English
    Studies in Statistical Mechanics, Volume VII: Fluctuation Phenomena Fluctuation explores different aspects of fluctuation behavior and their relation to microscopic processes and other phenomena, including the nucleation of a new phase following the quenching of a system into the coexistence region. It looks at phenomenological fluctuation theories, stochastic processes such as Markoff and momentless processes, and stochastic geometric aspects of amorphous solids. Comprised of five chapters, this volume begins with an overview of fluctuations and the Ehrenfest dog-flea model. It then turns to a discussion of density fluctuations in dilute gases, the Langevin theory of Brownian motion, and classical diffusion and random walks. It also systematically introduces the reader to the statistical mechanical theory of the kinetics of phase transitions, the molecular theory of metastability, and multidimensional continuous time random walks, along with the effect of boundaries and defects onf stochastic processes. In addition, it describes the phenomenological theory of the kinetics of nucleation and its application to nucleation, spinodal decomposition, and condensation. Other chapters focus on a stochastic model for the kinetics of phase transitions, the physical ideas used in theories of metastability, and the importance of dynamics in the study of metastability. The book explains how to estimate the escape rate and describes the statistical mechanics of clusters before concluding with a discussion of slowly-varying ensembles. This book is a valuable resource for students, physicists, and researchers who want to gain more knowledge and learn about statistical mechanics in general and fluctuation phenomena in particular.
  • The Dielectric Function of Condensed Systems

    • 1st Edition
    • December 2, 2012
    • L.V. Keldysh + 2 more
    • English
    Much progress has been made in the understanding of the general properties of the dielectric function and in the calculation of this quantity for many classes of media. This volume gathers together the considerable information available and presents a detailed overview of the present status of the theory of electromagnetic response functions, whilst simultaneously covering a wide range of problems in its application to condensed matter physics.The following subjects are covered:- the dielectric function of the homogeneous electron gas, of crystalline systems, and of inhomogeneous matter; - electromagnetic fluctuations and molecular forces in condensed matter; - electrodynamics of superlattices.
  • Shock Waves in Condensed Matter - 1983

    • 1st Edition
    • December 2, 2012
    • J.R. Asay + 2 more
    • English
    Shock Waves in Condensed Matter – 1983 covers the proceedings of the American Physical Society Topical Conference, held in Santa Fe, New Mexico on July 18-21, 1983. The book focuses on the response of matter to dynamic high pressure and temperature. The selection first elaborates on the review of theoretical calculations of phase transitions and comparisons with experimental results; theoretical and experimental studies of shock-compressed benzene and polybutene; and theory of the iron equation of state and melting curve to very high pressures. The text then ponders on nonhydrostatic effects in stress-wave induced phase transformation of calcite; Bauschinger effect model suitable for use in large computer codes; and strain rate sensitivity prediction for porous bed compaction. The manuscript takes a look at flaw nucleation and energetics of dynamic fragmentation, shock loading behavior of fused quartz, and aluminum damage simulation in high-velocity impact. Shock wave diagnostics by time-resolved infrared radiometry and non-linear Raman spectroscopy; Raman scattering temperature measurement behind a shock wave; and experiments and simulation on laser-driven shock wave evolution in aluminum targets are also discussed. The selection is a dependable reference for scientists and readers interested in the response of matter when exposed to dynamic high pressure and temperature.
  • Spectroscopy of Condensed Media

    Dynamics of Molecular Interactions
    • 1st Edition
    • December 2, 2012
    • C.H. Wang
    • English
    Spectroscopy of Condensed Media: Dynamics of Molecular Interactions discusses the use of molecular spectroscopy (including nuclear magnetic resonance [NMR] and nonlinear optical spectroscopy) in dynamic processes in condensed molecular systems. The book reviews relationship between transition probability and the time-correlation function of an isotropic electric dipole system, linear-response theory, and light scattering resulting from the translational motion of molecules in fluids. The text describes molecular rotation, theories of angular momentum, nuclear magnetic resonance, and spontaneous and coherent Raman effects. Closely related with the Raman and Brillouin scattering are vibrational dephasing, relaxation processes, and dynamics of phase transition solids. The book highlights the advantages of using NMR and also explains the basic concepts, such as local field, spin temperature, and effective Hamiltonians, that are employed in interpreting NMR experiments. The investigator can use nonlinear optical spectroscopy to study condensed matter. The text also cites two methods in which the investigator can control the time-dependent average Hamiltonian by (1) manipulating the intensity, timing, phase of the pulses, or (2) by sample spinning. The book is intended for advanced graduate students in physical chemistry that will equally benefit both investigators and scientists involved in physics research.
  • Bonds and Bands in Semiconductors

    • 1st Edition
    • December 2, 2012
    • J Phillips
    • English
    Bonds and Bands in Semiconductors deals with bonds and bands in semiconductors and covers a wide range of topics, from crystal structures and covalent and ionic bonds to elastic and piezoelectric constants. Lattice vibrations, energy bands, and the thermochemistry of semiconductors are also discussed, along with impurities and fundamental optical spectra. Comprised of 10 chapters, this book begins with an overview of the crystal structures of the more common and more useful semiconductors, together with bonding definitions and rules; bond energy gaps and band energy gaps; tetrahedral coordination; and bond lengths and radii. The discussion then turns to the effects of covalent and ionic bonds on crystal structures and cohesive energies of semiconductors, paying particular attention to the electronic configurations of atoms, ionicity, and homopolar energy gaps. Subsequent chapters introduce the reader to elastic and piezoelectric constants as well as lattice vibrations, energy bands, impurities, and fundamental optical spectra. The book also examines the thermochemistry of semiconductors before concluding with a concise qualitative description of barriers, junctions, and devices, with emphasis on the physical and chemical principles behind their operation. This monograph will be of interest to physicists, chemists, and materials scientists.
  • Variational Methods in Nuclear Reactor Physics

    • 1st Edition
    • December 2, 2012
    • Weston M. Jr. Stacey
    • English
    Nuclear Science and Technology, Volume 10: Variational Methods in Nuclear Reactor Physics presents the mathematical methods of a variational origin that are useful in obtaining approximate solutions to science and engineering problems. This book is composed of five chapters and begins with a discussion on the variation principles for physical systems described by both inhomogeneous and homogeneous equations to develop a generalized perturbation theory. Chapter 2 deals with the applications of variational estimates and generalized perturbation theory to neutron transport problems. Chapter 3 covers the variation principles of the Lagrangian form that are constructed for a general, linear- time-dependent process and for the specific case of the P1 neutron kinetics equations. Chapter 4 presents the general procedure for the variational derivation of synthesis approximations and their applications to problems in reactor physics. This chapter also examines the relationship of the spatial synthesis and finite-element method and a hybrid method that combines features of both methods. Chapter 5 describes the relationship of variation theory with the Hamilton-Jacobi theory and with the optimization theories of the maximum principle and dynamic programming. Nuclear physicists and researchers will find this text invaluable.
  • Carrier Scattering in Metals and Semiconductors

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 19
    • December 2, 2012
    • V.F. Gantmakher + 1 more
    • English
    The transport properties of solids, as well as the many optical phenomena in them are determined by the scattering of current carriers. ``Carrier Scattering in Metals and Semiconductors'' elucidates the state of the art in the research on the scattering mechanisms for current carriers in metals and semiconductors and describes experiments in which these mechanisms are most dramatically manifested.The selection and organization of the material is in a form to prepare the reader to reason independently and to deal just as independently with available theoretical results and experimental data. The subjects dealt with include: - electronic transport theory based on the test-particle and correlation-function concepts; - scattering by phonons, impurities, surfaces, magnons, dislocations, electron-electron scattering and electron temperature; - two-phonon scattering, spin-flip scattering, scattering in degenerate and many-band models.
  • Finite-Size Scaling

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 2
    • December 2, 2012
    • J. Cardy
    • English
    Over the past few years, finite-size scaling has become an increasingly important tool in studies of critical systems. This is partly due to an increased understanding of finite-size effects by analytical means, and partly due to our ability to treat larger systems with large computers. The aim of this volume was to collect those papers which have been important for this progress and which illustrate novel applications of the method. The emphasis has been placed on relatively recent developments, including the use of the &egr;-expansion and of conformal methods.