Statistical Physics of Condensed Matter Systems

A primer

By (author) Luciano Colombo

Publication date:

04 November 2022

Length of book:

125 pages

Publisher

Institute Of Physics Publishing

Dimensions:

254x178mm
7x10"

ISBN-13: 9780750322669

This Primer focusses on the statistical physics of classical and quantum systems. The course text explores the three cornerstones of statistical physics which include the Boltzmann, Fermi-Dirac, and Bose-Einstein distribution laws. It also provides a highly useful and in-depth investigation of the thermal properties of paradigmatically important systems such as classical ideal gas, electron gas and phonon gas.

The structure of this text is tailored to facilitate the planning of a one-semester course: this volume provides bachelor students with a main teaching tool. More specifically, each part identifies an independent teaching module, while each chapter corresponds to approximately two weeks of lecturing.

Key Features

  • Fills a gap for a self-contained undergraduate textbook in statistical physics of condensed matter systems
  • Tailored for a one-semester course
  • Focuses on a selected set of topics, whilst also providing substantial, in-depth coverage of the subject
  • Emphasises phenomenology rather than mathematics/formalism
  • Uses various pedagogical features, including chapter outline, proof-of-concept pictures

This is the third and final volume of an excellent primer series. The present one, devoted to the statistical physics of condensed matter systems, has the same approach and the same qualities as the first two primers. It is precisely the breadth of topics that form the statistical mechanics of condensed matter that dictates the primer structure adopted by Luciano Colombo. Each chapter opens with a brief syllabus where the fundamental concepts and logical sequence of the topics covered are set forth. These are then expounded making use of mathematics only where it is fundamental and necessary, while the more technical parts are entrusted to the numerous (as many as eight) appendices.

Giorgio Benedek, Il Nuovo Saggiatore, June 2023