Book Description

Many-Body Problems and Quantum Field Theory introduces the concepts and methods of the topics on a level suitable for graduate students and researchers. The formalism is developed in close conjunction with the description of a number of physical systems: cohesion and dielectric properties of the electron gas, superconductivity, superfluidity, nuclear matter and nucleon pairing, matter and radiation, interaction of fields by particle exchange and mass generation. Emphasis is placed on analogies between the various systems rather than on advanced or specialized aspects, with the purpose of illustrating common ideas within different domains of physics. Starting from a basic knowledge of quantum mechanics and classical electromagnetism, the exposition is self-contained and explicitly details all steps of the derivations. The new edition features a subtantially new treatment of nucleon pairing. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Atom Bomb
This book was put together very well. It is organized in an easy to understand format. It gives you a good consise history of the Atom Bomb. It also provides you with arguments for and against dropping the Atom Bomb on Japan. ... Read more

Book Description

This introductory textbook gives a uniform presentation of nuclear and particle physics. The first part, Analysis, is devoted to disentangling the substructure of matter. This part shows that experiments designed to uncover the substructures of nuclei and nucleons have a similar conceptual basis, and lead to the present picture of all matter being built out of a small number of elementary building blocks and a small number of fundamental interactions. The second part, Synthesis, shows how the elementary particles may be combined to build hadrons and nuclei. The fundamental interactions responsible for the forces in all systems become less and less evident in increasingly complex systems. Such systems are in fact dominated by many-body phenomena. A section on neutrino oscillations and one on nuclear matter at high temperatures bridge the field of ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Up to date and State of the art
Povh, Rith, Scholz, and Zetsche have written an exceptional book about nuclei and particles. It is comprehensive, but not too elaborate to confuse the reader, it is up to date, but provides a thorough guide to the contemporary topics, and it has an unusual structure that is very compelling: In part one, the decomposition of matter down to the structures of elementary particles is presented, in part two, the synthesis of composite systems out of these fundamental particles and their interactions is discussed. This approach is - from a structural point of view - a brilliant idea.

So why do I rate this book with 4 stars only? Maybe because I personally like Donald Perkins' book on high-energy phyics even better (and if the new edition is as good as announced it will probably remain my preferece). The nuclear physics content (my personal field of interest) is also only briefly addressed in the book by Povh et al. (Perkin's book of course contains no introduction to nuclear structure at all, even on a very rough scale, but it has its focus clearly only on high-energy physics whereas Povh et al. also address nuclear structure issues). Clearly, Povh et al. focus on the introduction to a wide field where addtional reading is required anyway.

It would be highly desirable if the authors could enlarge their interesting introductory textbook by a few topical results of nuclear structure physics. But all in all, it is a very good approach to the world of nuclei, particles, and their interactions. ... Read more

Book Description

The Handbook of Ion Sources delivers the data needed for daily work with ion sources. It also gives information for the selection of a suitable ion source and ion production method for a specific application.The Handbook concentrates on practical aspects and introduces the principle function of ion sources. The basic plasma parameters are defined and discussed. The working principles of various ion sources are explained, and examples of each type of ion source are presented with their operational data. Tables of ion current for various elements and charge states summarize the performance of different ion sources.The problems related to the production of ions of non-gaseous elements are detailed, and data on useful materials for evaporation and ion source construction are summarized. Additional chapters are dedicated to extraction and beam formation, ion beam diagnosis, ion source electronics, and computer codes for extraction, acceleration, and beam transport. Emittance and brilliance are described and space charge effects and neutralization discussed. Various methods for the measurement of current, profile, emittance, and time structure are presented and compared. Intensity limits for these methods are provided for different ion energies.Typical problems related to the operation of ion source plasmas are discussed and practical examples of circuits are given. The influence of high voltage on ion source electronics and possibilities for circuit protection are covered. The generation of microwaves and various microwave equipment are described and special problems related to microwave operation are summarized.The Handbook of Ion Sources is a valuable reference on the subject, of benefit to practitioners and graduate students interested in accelerators, ion implantation, and ion beam techniques. ... Read more

Book Description

This book focuses on phonons and electrons, which the student needs to learn first in solid state physics. The required quantum theory and statistical physics are derived from scratch. Systematic in structure and tutorial in style, the treatment is filled with detailed mathematical steps and physical interpretations. This approach ensures a self-sufficient content for easier teaching and learning. The objective is to introduce the concepts of phonons and electrons in a more rigorous and yet clearer way, so that the student does not need to relearn them in more advanced courses. Examples are the transition from lattice vibrations to phonons and from free electrons to energy bands.

The book can be used as the beginning module of a one-year introductory course on solid state physics, and the instructor will have a chance to choose additional topics. Alternatively, it can be taught as a stand-alone text for building the most-needed foundation in just one semester. ... Read more

Book Description

This monograph presents thirty research papers dealing with the classification of strongly interacting particles and their interaction according to the eightfold way. In each chapter the authors' commentary introduces the reprints.

Read and cited by scientists worldwide, Advanced Book Classics are works that continue to inform today's groundbreaking research efforts. Redesigned and newly released in paperback, these graduate-level texts and monographs are now available to an even wider audience. Written by the most influential physicists of the twentieth century, these Advanced Book Classics promise to enrich and inspire a new generation of physicists. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Universe in 8ths
Particle Physics from one of only a handful whom understand them. Murray Gell-Mann does an excellent job of describing the very physics in which he pioneered; this is a most read for any physicist. ... Read more

Book Description

In Particles: A Very Short Introduction, best-selling author Frank Close provides a compelling and lively introduction to the fundamental particles that make up the universe. The book begins with a guide to what matter is made up of and how it evolved, and goes on to describe the fascinating and cutting-edge techniques used to study it. The author discusses particles such as quarks, electrons, and the neutrino, and exotic matter and antimatter. He also investigates the forces of nature, accelerators and detectors, and the intriguing future of particle physics. This book is essential reading for general readers interested in popular science, students of physics, and scientists at all levels. ... Read more

Book Description

Gauge Theory of Weak Interactions treats the unification of electromagnetic and weak interactions and considers related phenomena. First, the Fermi theory of beta decay is presented, followed by a discussion of parity violation, clarifying the importance of symmetries. Then the concept of a spontaneously broken gauge theory is introduced, and all necessary mathematical tools are carefully developed. The "standard model" of unified electroweak interactions is thoroughly discussed including current developments. The final chapter contains an introduction to unified theories of strong and electroweak interactions. Numerous solved examples and problems make this volume uniquely suited as a text for an advanced course. This second edition has been corrected and is presented in a new cover and format. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

weak interaction and unified theory.
this volume is for advanced learner who has already has a background in quantum mechanics. this volume covers weak interaction. another volume quantum chromodynamics covers strong interaction. weak interaction is essential knowledge for starting research in elementary particle physics. it is also a necessary background for strings theory. ... Read more

Book Description

This advanced textbook and reference is the first comprehensive and systematic review of all methods used for the measurement, correction, and control of the beam dynamics of modern particle accelerators. Based on material presented in several lectures at the US Particle Accelerator School, the text is intended for graduate students starting research or work in the field of beam physics. Relativistic beams in linear accelerators and storage rings provide the focus. After a review of linear optics, the text addresses basic and advanced techniques for beam control, plus a variety of methods for the manipulation of particle-beam properties. In each case, specific procedures are illustrated by examples from operational accelerators, e.g., CERN, DESY, SLAC, KEK, LBNL, and FNAL. The book also treats special topics such as injection and extraction methods, beam cooling, spin transport, and polarization. Problems and solutions enhance the book's usefulness for graduate courses. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Excellent reference of FIB technology
Excellent reference with good balance between theoretical discussion and practical data, very thorough bibliography. The best single source of concentrated information for anyone using or building FIB systems.

Section on Applications of Focused Ion Beams could be significantly expanded in future editions, as the industrial applications of the FIB advance rapidly.

Mark Utlaut is the sexiest man alive
As a researcher working in the field of focused ion beams for almost thirty years, I can honestly say that this is the finest book ever written on the subject. Their treatment of the Fowler-Nordheim equation is particularly noteworthy.

More importantly, their use of rhyme, ala Dr. Seuss, makes for an easy read. Here's a short excerpt from the book's introduction which illustrates my point.

"An ion is so very small
You'll never see one in the hall
You'll never see one at the mall

You'll never see one at your house
You'll never see one with a mouse

These tiny things you'll never see
Are still very useful to you and me
They're also useful to industry." ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (3)

Nice
Although you can find the same story in other sources, this one is definitely a time-saving reading. The informal style is a plus for those who are not familiar with quantum theory.

Spin: a beautiful history of Quantum Mechanics
This is one of my favourite physics books. I have always had difficulties understanding the nature of spin and this book explains it with unsurpassable style. There are so many aspects to spin that it requires the brilliant exposition of someone like Tomonaga to unpack all its subtleties: spin is not simply the self-rotation of the electron, it is also a subtle property of isotropic space. As well, spin is at the heart of particle statistics in quantum field theory. In nuclear physics, the concept of spin was also coopted into a description of iso-tropic space! Not only does Tomonaga describe the theoretical aspects of spin, but he patiently recounts the breakthough (now obscure) experiments that measured it. Some of the highlights of the book include an discussion of the nature of vectors and tensors and an immensely readable history of second quantisation that leads to quantum field theory.

It is interesting to contrast Tomanaga's style with the other 2 physicists who shared the Nobel prize in electrodynamics with him. From the folksy iconoclasm of Richard Feynman to the brutal formalistic abstraction of Julian Schwinger (who broke the back of Physical Review with his third paper on electrodynamics which is one of the most equation heavy paper ever written). Then there is Tomonaga, who epitomises simplicity and clarity, with a clear-eyed reverence for the rich history of physics. He is above all, a sympathetic teacher - he tells you when something is difficult - for instance, explaining how Dirac stumbled on second quantisation "Why must you quantize it once more as the name second quantization suggests? We mortals stand bewildered here. Howerver, there is no use being bewildered, so let us try to discover why we feel bewildered." It's no wonder that Freeman Dyson said that it was only with the framework of Tomonaga, could he weave Feynman and Schwinger together into a comprehensible whole.

However, this book is not just a text-book on spin, in its pages, there is a superb history of quantum mechanics. Tomonaga gives a blow-by-blow account of the development of quantum mechanics, quantum field theory and nuclear physics, as it relates to spin. Through the recreation of the arguments and counter-arguments of the old masters of quantum mechanics, he has brought to life these characters that so dominated physics in the golden era of the 20's and 30's.

Best Appreciated by Quantum Sophisticates
(The following remarks are based on a reading of only 9 of the12 chapters so far, but that is basis enough for a strong impressionand to give a warning to potential buyers of this book.) This book contains Tomonaga's charming memoirs on the early years of Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Field Theory. It might be subtitled "Physics papers I knew and loved."--he takes the readers through an informal but masterly tour of many key QM and relativistic developments surrounding Spin as they unfolded during the 1920's and 30's. Thanks to the informal, historical approach, this account possesses a human warmth and interest that no textbook is likely to match. All students of Quantum Theory must be grateful to the author for recording these lectures, and to the translator for his making them available in a pleasant, (almost) idiomatic English (and for adding some helpful remarks.) WARNING : "most accessible" treatment of Spin , as described in the Editorial Review does **NOT** mean this book is the for the casual science buff. Ideally the reader should have a very solid background in Physics--preferably at the graduate level--including at least a 1-year course in Quantum Mechanics, and some acquaintance with (Relativistic) Quantum Field Theory won't hurt at all for some chapters. Although the discussion is more informal than that of a textbook, and the math is not beyond undergraduate level, the author does not spare the equations or technical detail. Even if you lack the technical background, as I did in places (notwithstanding a Ph.D. in physics) you may still enjoy his piquant reminiscences about such masters as Pauli, Heisenberg, and Dirac, and their unique, distinctive styles of creating physics. In the final (non-technical) chapter, he also talks frankly about the state of Physics in Japan and his own struggles to enter the world of research in the "wonder years" when modern quantum theory developed. ... Read more

Book Description

This book thoroughly describes our present theoretical knowledge of the nuclear many-body problem. It not only covers more standard topics such as the liquid drop model, shell model, rotations and pairing theory, but also describes areas currently under investigation. Emphasis is laid on the methodology and technical aspects of modern theories and concepts such as small and large amplitude collective motion, boson expansions, generator coordinates, time-dependent Hartree-Fock theory, broken symmetries and semiclassical approximations, which have, up to now, received limited detailed treatment in book form. The Nuclear Many-Body Problem is written for students with basic knowledge of quantum mechanics and some understanding of nuclear phenomena.

Book Description

Elucidates basic and well-established concepts of particle physics to those who do not have the sophisticated training in mathematics and physics that is habitually expected of students of this subject. ... Read more

Book Description

The International Symposium on Frontiers of Science was held to celebrate the 80th birthday of Chen Ning Yang, one of the great physicists of the 20th century and arguably the most-admired living scientist in China today. Many of the world’s great scientists — including sixteen Nobel laureates, Fields medallists and Wolf Prize winners — converged on Beijing from all corners of the globe to pay tribute to Professor Yang.

The Symposium was organized by Tsinghua University, with which Professor Yang has had a lifelong relationship. In 1997, he helped to found the Center for Advanced Study at Tsinghua, was appointed to the university’s faculty, and has since devoted his energy to the growth of the Center.

This unique and invaluable birthday volume is a collection of the presentations made at the Symposium, including fifteen plenary talks, seven of which are by Nobel laureates. It covers a wide range of topics and mirrors Professor Yang’s research and intellectual interests. The range of fields encompasses high-energy, condensed-matter, mathematical, applied, bio-, astro-, atomic and quantum physics. Also included are talks given at the birthday banquet. ... Read more

Book Description

This book presents more than 100 papers devoted to the understanding of fission processes and neutron-rich nuclei. All forms of fission, from spontaneous fission of 252Cf to high-energy fragmentation, are included. Together with studies on properties of neutron-rich nuclei and astrophysics, the book also features new experimental techniques, directions and the emerging new radioactive beam facilities. ... Read more

Book Description

The Nobel laureate’s brilliant exposition of the kinetic theory of gases, elementary particles, the nuclear atom, wave-corpuscles, atomic structure and spectral lines, electron spin and Pauli’s principle, quantum statistics, molecular structure and nuclear physics. Over 40 appendices, a bibliography, numerous figures and graphs.
... Read more

Reviews (3)

You must have it
Well, this is probably not the most up to date text but it is still one of the best. The book is a collection of topics (Atomic Physics, Solid State Physics, some of QM, some of classical Physics, Statistical Thermodynamics), which are explained in a short, simple and clear way. This is also a great book for those who are familiar with QM: they will find an excellent collection of topics that are just outlined on other standard QM textbooks. Moreover one can learn a lot from the original way M. Born approaches important subjects in Physics (how to recognize the Physics in every concept, for example). This is a book everyone interested in Physics should have in her/his library.

Simple, exact and excelent
When we see how much quantum mechanics pushed our civilization and how bad it became explained on 'modern' textbooks it is a relief to find out that this book is still published and affordable. A must for anyone interested in the subject or needing to understand it with the help of one of the fathers of QM.

Why do we need Quantum Mechanics?
Max Born was one of the fathers of quantum mechanics, a great physicist and a cultivated gentleman. His "Atomic Physics" has been around since a long time, but is still the best place to find out why do we really need to replace Newtonian mechanics. This book studies every kind of phenomena which puzzled the physicsts of the early century, like thermal equilibrium of radiation, photo-electric effect, the Bohr model of the atom, specific-heat irregularities, cohesion forces among molecules, etc. Then he shows how quantum mechanics correctly describes each one of them. This is done in a pedagogically very effective way: the ideas are explained in the text, while the more formal derivations appear in a large set of appendices. These are gems of precision and concision, precious by themselves. My favorite one is the derivation of the Van der Waals forces (between molecules), which he shows to be essentially quantal, as they are due to the zero-point energy of the ! quantum harmonic oscillator. One of the great text-books of this century. ... Read more

Book Description

Spaceship Neutrino charts the history of the neutrino, from its beginnings in the 1930s, when it was postulated as a way of explaining an otherwise intractable problem in physics, to its crucial role in modern theories of the Universe. Christine Sutton is well known for her popular science writing. In this book she describes how the detection and measurement of neutrino properties have tested technology to its limits, requiring huge detectors, often located deep in mines, under mountains or even under the sea. As part of the story she explains without the use of mathematics how our understanding of the structure of matter and the forces that hold it together have come from work with neutrinos, and how these insignificant particles hold the key to our understanding of the beginning and the end of the Universe. ... Read more