Topology is the study of properties of geometrical objects that remain invariant as the object is bent, twisted, or otherwise continuously deformed. It has been an indispensable tool in particle physics and solid-state physics for decades, but in recent years it has become increasingly relevant in classical and quantum optics as well. The goal of this book is to provide in concise form the necessary mathematical background needed to understand these developments and to give a rapid survey of some of the optical applications where topological issues arise.? View details

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From science-fiction death rays to supermarket scanners, lasers are deeply embedded in our daily lives and cultures. But in recent decades, the standard laser beam has evolved into an array of more specialized light beams with a variety of strange and counter-intuitive properties. This is an introductory survey of these specialized light beams and their scientific applications. It is a unified treatment of the subject for undergraduates with a basic knowledge of optics and quantum mechanics. It is a collection of many topics currently found only in the original research literature. View details

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This book provides a broad introductory survey of the remarkable field of optical nanomanipulation. It establishes and clearly differentiates the physical principles and provides a snapshot of many prominent current applications. The first chapters introduce and develop core theory focusing on the physical significance and the most salient parameters. The remaining chapters are full of copious examples and illustrations that explain and exhibit the features and uses of mechanisms involved. Optical Nanomanipulation is an amenable introduction for the non-specialist to the more advanced methods.
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Today, air-to-surface vessel (ASV) radars, or more generally maritime surveillance radars, are installed on maritime reconnaissance aircraft for long-range detection, tracking and classification of surface ships (ASuW—anti-surface warfare) and for hunting submarines (ASW—anti-submarine warfare). Such radars were first developed in the UK during WWII as part of the response to the threat to shipping from German U-Boats. This book describes the ASV radars developed in the UK after WWII (1946–2000) and used by the RAF for long-range maritime surveillance. View details

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Today, air-to-surface vessel (ASV) radars, or more generally airborne maritime surveillance radars, are installed on maritime reconnaissance aircraft for long-range detection, tracking and classification of surface ships (ASuW—anti-surface warfare) and for hunting submarines (ASW—anti-submarine warfare). Such radars were first developed in the UK during WWII as part of the response to the threat to shipping from German U-boats. This book describes the ASV radars developed in the UK and used by RAF Coastal Command during WWII for long-range maritime surveillance. View details

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This book reviews the history behind the discovery of missing mass (or unseen mass) in the universe, and ties this into the proposed extensions to the Standard Model of Particle Physics (such as Supersymmetry), which were being proposed within the same time frame. It is written as an introduction to these problems at the forefront of astrophysics and particle physics, with the goal of conveying the physics of dark matter to beginning undergraduate majors in scientific fields. View details

A Concise Introduction to Quantum Mechanics provides a self-contained presentation of the mathematics and physics of quantum mechanics. The book includes overviews, analysis, and applications of the main concepts of quantum mechanics and is appropriate for anyone with a basic understanding of classical physics, multivariable calculus, and differential equations. View details

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This book is a concise introduction to the key concepts of classical field theory for beginning graduate students and advanced undergraduate students who wish to study the unifying structures and physical insights provided by classical field theory without dealing with the additional complication of quantization. View details

This book is a comprehensive exposition of the thermodynamic properties of the van der Waals fluid, which includes a review of past work together with a presentation of the author’s own recent extensive studies. The book provides readers with a graphical overview of the many interesting and diverse thermodynamic properties of the van der Waals fluid through plots of these properties versus various independent parameters. View details

This book looks at the early history of nuclear power, at what happened next, and at its longer-term prospects. The main question is: can nuclear power overcome the problems that have emerged? It was once touted as the ultimate energy source, freeing mankind from reliance on dirty, expensive fossil energy. Sixty years on, nuclear only supplies around 11.5% of global energy and is being challenged by cheaper energy options. Will a new generation of reactors bring nuclear energy to the forefront in the future?
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How does it happen that billions of stars can co-operate to produce the beautiful spirals that characterize so many galaxies, including ours? This book reviews the history behind the discovery of spiral galaxies and the problems faced when trying to explain the existence of spiral structure within them. In the book, subjects such as galaxy morphology and structure are addressed as well as several models for spiral structure. The evidence in favor or against these models is discussed. The book ends by discussing how spiral structure can be used as a proxy for other properties of spiral galaxies, such as their dark-matter content and their central supermassive black-hole masses, and why this is important.
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Electromagnetism: Problems and solutions is an ideal companion book for the undergraduate student – sophomore, junior, or senior – who may want to work on more problems and receive immediate feedback while studying. Each chapter contains brief theoretical notes followed by the problem text with the solution and ends with a brief bibliography. Also presented are problems more general in nature, which may be a bit more challenging.
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This book provides an introduction for engineering and science students to the basic underlying physics and chemistry concepts that form the foundation of plasma science and engineering. It is a bridge for students who have no background in the topic by providing an understanding of what an ion is, how they move, the equations used to describe the basic concepts and how they link to the topics of plasmas and gas discharges. It focuses on specific concepts that are important to non-equilibrium, low-temperature gas discharges. View details