The Mathematical Theory Of Symmetry In Solids

This classic book gives, in extensive tables, the irreducible representations of the crystallographic point groups and space groups. These are useful in studying the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of a particle or quasi-particle in a crystalline solid. The theory is extended to the corepresentations of the Shubnikov groups.

International Series in Modern Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Volume 10: Symmetry: Unifying Human Understanding provides a tremendous scope of “symmetry , covering subjects from fractals through court dances to crystallography and literature. This book discusses the limits of perfection, symmetry as an aesthetic factor, extension of the Neumann-Minnigerode-Curie principle, and symmetry of point imperfections in solids. The symmetry rules for chemical reactions, matching and symmetry of graphs, mosaic patterns of H. J. Woods, and bilateral symmetry in insects are also elaborated. This text likewise covers the crystallographic patterns, Milton's mathematical symbol of theodicy, symmetries of soap films, and gapon formalism. This volume is a good source for researchers and specialists concerned with symmetry.

Group theory and symmetry are important concepts in solid state physics, but are not widely taught because of the mathematical complexities involved. This book aims to remedy this by using a practical approach which bypasses most of the abstruse detail of formal group theory. The subject is usually developed using abstract entities, but here the author uses concrete examples to aid understanding in his development of the basics of the subject. This makes the book an ideal text for senior undergraduate and graduate students. The book is divided into two parts. Part one introduces the reader to group theoretical techniques and applications via the extensive use of character tables. All topics required for a complete understanding of group theory in the context of solid state physics are covered. The author demonstrates clearly how symmetry arguments can be applied to give detailed insights into the physical properties of crystals. This part ends with a selection of applications which will prove useful to solid state physicists/chemists and materials scientists. Each chapter includes a set of problems with hints and solutions. Part two is self-contained and deals with applications of group theory to the study of the symmetry properties of strongly magnetic crystals. This is a topic usually omitted from group theory texts at this level. Symmetry Principles and Magnetic Symmetry in Solid State Physics is a comprehensive introduction to the subject. It will be of great use to all students of condensed matter and materials science.

Symmetries in Physics presents the fundamental theories of symmetry, together with many examples of applications taken from several different branches of physics. Emphasis is placed on the theory of group representations and on the powerful method of projection operators. The excercises are intended to stimulate readers to apply the techniques demonstrated in the text.

Site Symmetry in Crystals is the first comprehensive account of the group-theoretical aspects of the site (local) symmetry approach to the study of crystalline solids. The efficiency of this approach, which is based on the concepts of simple induced and band representations of space groups, is demonstrated by considering newly developed applications to electron surface states, point defects, symmetry analysis in lattice dynamics, the theory of second-order phase transitions, and magnetically ordered and non-rigid crystals. Tables of simple induced respresentations are given for the 24 most common space groups, allowing the rapid analysis of electron and phonon states in complex crystals with many atoms in the unit cell.

Reissue of Encyclopedia of Physics/Handbuch der Physik, Vol. XXV/2b I am very pleased that my book is now to be reprinted and rebound in a new format which should make it accessible at a modest price to students and active researchers in condensed matter physics. In writing this book I had in mind an audience of physicists and chemists with no previous deep exposure to symmetry analysis of crystalline matter, non to the use of symmetry in simplifying and refining predictions of the results of optical experiments. Hence the book was written to explain and illustrate in all necessary detail how to: 1) describe the space group symmetry in terms of space group symmetry operations; 2) obtain irreducible representations and selection rules for optical infra-red and Raman and other transition processes. On the physical side I redeveloped the traditional theory of classical and quantum lattice dynamics, illustrating how space-time symmetry designations in the equations of motion can: 1) simplify and rationalize calculations of the classical eigenvectors of the dynamical equation; 2) permit classification of the eigenstates of the quantum lattice-dynamic pro blem; 3) give specific selection rules for optical infra-red and Raman lattice processes, and thus make "go, no-go" predictions including polarization of absorbed or scattered radiation; and 4) simplify the modern many-body theories of optical processes.