Marmo Giuseppe Marmo – författare

This book is addressed to graduate students and research workers in theoretical physics who want a thorough introduction to group theory and Hopf algebras. It is suitable for a one-semester course in group theory or a two-semester course which also treats advanced topics. Starting from basic definitions, it goes on to treat both finite and Lie groups as well as Hopf algebras. Because of the diversity in the choice of topics, which does not place undue emphasis on finite or Lie groups, it should be useful to physicists working in many branches.A unique aspect of the book is its treatment of Hopf algebras in a form accessible to physicists. Hopf algebras are generalizations of groups and their concepts are acquiring importance in the treatment of conformal field theories, noncommutative spacetimes, topological quantum computation and other important domains of investigation. But there is a scarcity of treatments of Hopf algebras at a level and in a manner that physicists are comfortable with. This book addresses this need superbly.There are illustrative examples from physics scattered throughout the book and in its set of problems. It also has a good bibliography. These features should enhance its value to readers.The authors are senior physicists with considerable research and teaching experience in diverse aspects of fundamental physics. The book, being the outcome of their combined efforts, stands testament to their knowledge and pedagogical skills.

This book is an introduction to the role of topology in the quantization of classical systems. It is also an introduction to topological solitons with special emphasis on Skyrmions. As regards the first aspect, several issues of current interest are dealt with at a reasonably elementary level. Examples are principal fibre bundles and their role in quantum physics, the possibility of spinorial quantum states in a Lagrangian theory based on tensorial variables, and multiply connected configuration spaces and associated quantum phenomena like the QCD q angle and exotic statistics. The ideas are also illustrated by simple examples such as the spinning particle, the charge-monopole system and strings in 3+1 dimensions. The application of these ideas to quantum gravity is another subject treated at an introductory level. An attempt has been made in this book to introduce the reader to the significance of topology for many distinct physical systems such as spinning particles, the charge- monopole system, strings, Skyrmions, QCD and gravity. The book is an outgrowth of lectures given by the authors at various institutions and conferences.