Phase transitions in which crystalline solids undergo structural changes present an interesting problem in the interplay between the crystal structure and the ordering process. This text, intended for readers with some prior knowledge of condensed-matter physics, emphasizes the basic physics behind such spontaneous structural changes in crystals. Starting with the relevant thermodynamic principles, the book discusses the nature of order variables and their collective motion in a crystal lattice; in a structural phase transition a singularity in such a collective mode is responsible for the...

The Maxwell theory of electromagnetism was well established in the latter ni- teenth century, when H. R. Hertz demonstrated the electromagnetic wave. The theory laid the foundation for physical optics, from which the quantum concept emerged for microscopic physics. Einstein realized that the speed of electrom- netic propagation is a universal constant, and thereby recognized the Maxwell equations to compose a fundamental law in all inertial systems of reference. On the other hand, the pressing demand for ef?cient radar systems during WWII accelerated studies on guided waves, resulting in...

The Maxwell theory of electromagnetism was well established in the latter ni- teenth century, when H. R. Hertz demonstrated the electromagnetic wave. The theory laid the foundation for physical optics, from which the quantum concept emerged for microscopic physics. Einstein realized that the speed of electrom- netic propagation is a universal constant, and thereby recognized the Maxwell equations to compose a fundamental law in all inertial systems of reference. On the other hand, the pressing demand for ef?cient radar systems during WWII accelerated studies on guided waves, resulting in...

Phase transitions in which crystalline solids undergo structural changes present an interesting problem in the interplay between the crystal structure and the ordering process. This text, intended for readers with some prior knowledge of condensed-matter physics, emphasizes the basic physics behind such spontaneous structural changes in crystals. Starting with the relevant thermodynamic principles, the book discusses the nature of order variables and their collective motion in a crystal lattice; in a structural phase transition a singularity in such a collective mode is responsible for the...

Thermodynamics is a well-established discipline of physics for properties of matter in thermal equilibrium with the surroundings. Applying to crystals, however, the laws encounter undefined properties of crystal lattice, which therefore need to be determined for a clear and well-defined description of crystalline states. Thermodynamics of Crystalline States explores the roles played by order variables and dynamic lattices in crystals in a wholly new way.
The book begins by clarifying basic concepts for stable crystals. Next, binary phase transitions are discussed to study...

Nonlinear Physics is a well-established discipline of physics today, for which this book offers a comprehensive account of the basic soliton theory and its applications. Although primarily mathematical, the author discusses the theory for nonlinear phenomena in practical environment to be understood with knowledge at upper undergraduate level, paying particular attention to the presence of media where nonlinearity takes place. This book addresses the mathematical theory with respect to the past development, however implies possible theoretical innovations on many issues, providing a...