Group Theory and Physics
This textbook, based on courses taught at Harvard University, is an introduction to group theory and its application to physics. The physical applications are considered as the mathematical theory is developed so that the presentation is unusually cohesive and well-motivated. Many modern topics are dealt with, and there is much discussion of the group SU(n) and its representations. This is of great significance in elementary particle physics. Applications to solid state physics are also considered. This stimulating account will prove to be an essential resource for senior undergraduate students and their teachers.
- Experienced and established author
- Modern and rigorous with lots of applications
- Very successful hardback (sold 1300 since July 1994)
Reviews & endorsements
'This excellent book contains an introduction to the theory of abstract groups, Lie groups and their representations combined with applications of this theory in physics … a cohesive presentation of physics and mathematics.' A. L. Onishchik, Zentralblatt für Mathematik
'The book is a very good example of a bedside or coffee table book. One can dip into it for fun, keep on reading, and end up learning something useful. I raided it last spring to add spice to my introductory course on 'Lie Groups' at Cambridge.' C. B. Thomas, Bulletin of the London Mathematical Society
'This is a remarkable book … The author shows how physical considerations lead naturally to mathematical notions and their investigations, and how mathematical achievements influence the development of physics … I can strongly recommend the book.' European Mathematical Society Newsletter
Product details
November 1995Paperback
9780521558853
444 pages
239 × 186 × 27 mm
0.79kg
121 b/w illus.
Available
Table of Contents
- 1. Basic definitions and examples
- 2. Representation theory of finite groups
- 3. Molecular vibrations and homogeneous vector bundles
- 4. Compact groups and Lie groups
- 5. Irreducible representations of SU(n)
- Appendixces
- Further reading
- Index.