Matter And Methods At Low Temperatures

The aim of this book is to provide information about performing experi ments at low temperatures, as well as basic facts concerning the low tem perature properties of liquid and solid matter. To orient the reader, I begin with chapters on these low temperature properties. The major part of the book is then devoted to refrigeration techniques and to the physics on which they are based. Of equal importance, of course, are the definition and measurement of temperature; hence low temperature thermometry is extensively discussed in subsequent chapters. Finally, I describe a variety of design and construction techniques which have turned out to be useful over the years. The content of the book is based on the three-hour-per-week lecture course which I have given several times at the University of Bayreuth between 1983 and 1991. It should be particularly suited for advanced stu dents whose intended masters (diploma) or Ph.D. subject is experimental condensed matter physics at low temperatures. However, I believe that the book will also be of value to experienced scientists, since it describes sev eral very recent advances in experimental low temperature physics and technology, for example, new developments in nuclear refrigeration and thermometry.

This textbook contains information essential for successful experiments at low temperatures. The first chapters describe the low-temperature properties of liquids and solid matter, including liquid helium. Most of the book is devoted to refrigeration techniques and the physics on which they rely, the definition of temperature, thermometry, and a variety of design and construction techniques. The lively and practical style make it easy to read and particularly useful to anyone beginning research in low-temperature physics. Low-temperature scientists will find it of great value due to its extensive compilation of materials data and relevant new results.

This practical book provides recipes for the construction of devices used in low temperature experimentation. It emphasizes what works, rather than what might be the optimum method, and lists current sources for purchasing components and equipment.

This practical book provides recipes for the construction of devices used in low temperature experimentation. It emphasizes what works, rather than what might be the optimum method, and lists current sources for purchasing components and equipment.

Recent discoveries of new materials and improvements in calorimetric techniques have given new impetus to the subject of specific heat. Nevertheless, there is a serious lack of literature on the subject. This invaluable book, which goes some way towards remedying that, is concerned mainly with the specific heat of matter at ordinary temperatures. It discusses the principles that underlie the theory of specific heat and considers a number of theoretical models in some detail. The subject matter ranges from traditional materials to those recently discovered — heavy fermion compounds, high temperature superconductors, spin glasses and so on — and includes a large number of figures, tables and references. The book will be particularly useful for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as academics and researchers. Contents:Basic Concepts and DefinitionsLattice Specific HeatElectronic Specific HeatMagnetic Specific HeatSpecific Heat of Cryogenic LiquidsSpecific-Heat AnomaliesExperimental Techniques Readership: Upper level undergraduates, graduate students, researchers and academics.

In writing this monograph, the aim has been to consider the mechanical properties of the wide range of materials now available in such a way as to start with the fundamental nature of these properties and to follow the discussion through to the point at which the reader is able to comprehend the significance or otherwise of the large amounts of data now available in design manuals and other compilations. In short, it is hoped that this volume will be used as a companion to these data compilations and as an aid to their interpretation. In attempting to cover such a wide field, a large degree of selection has been necessary, as complete volumes have been written on topics which here have had to be covered in a few pages or less. It is inevitable that not everyone will agree with the choice made, especially if it is his own subject which has been discussed rather briefly, and the author accepts full res ponsibility for the selection made. The book is written at a level which should be easily followed by a university graduate in science or engineer ing, although, if his background has not included a course in materials science, some groundwork may be lacking.