Tony Guenault - Böcker

In this text the author provides a clear introduction to statistical physics, an essential component of any first degree in physics. The treatment itself is self-contained and concentrates on an understanding of the physical ideas, without requiring a high level of mathematical sophistication. A straightforward quantum approach to statistical averaging is adopted from the outset (easier, the author believes, than the classical approach). The initial part of the book is geared towards explaining the equilibrium properties of a simple isolated assembly of particles. Hence several important examples (eg an ideal spin-1/2 solid) can be discussed at an early stage. The treatment of gases gives full coverage to Maxwell-Boltzmann, Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein statistics. In the final chapter the student is introduced to a wider viewpoint and so can begin to deal with more advanced concepts. This book should be of interest to second year undergraduate students taking courses in physics, applied physics, electronics and electrical engineering.

Superfluidity is the jewel in the crown of low temperature physics. When temperatures are low enough, every substance in thermal equilibrium must become ordered. Since some materials remain fluid to the lowest temperatures, it is a fascinating question as to how this ordering can take place. One possibility is the formation of a superfluid state, a state in which there is macroscopic quantum order-effectively quantum mechanics in a tea-cup. The author develops and presents these ideas in the beginning of Basic Superfluids. The book assumes some basic knowledge of quantum, statistical and thermal physics, and builds on this background to give a readable introduction to the three superfluids of low temperature physics. A short chapter describing experimental techniques is included. The emphasis throughout is on physical principles rather than technical detail, with the aim of introducing the subject in an accessible yet authoritative way to final-year undergraduates or starting postgraduate students.