Symmetry Principles and Magnetic Symmetry in Solid State Physics, (Graduate Student Series in Physics)

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.