Springer Series in Solid-State Sciences – serie

The physical principles of spectroscopy of quasi-particle excitations in metals at low temperatures by means of point contacts are presented. The point contact constitutes a tiny metallic bridge connecting bulk electrodes. Along with the most thoroughly studied phono excitations, the interaction of electrons with other quasiparticles (magnons, crystal-field electron excitations, paramagnetic impurities, two-level systems, etc), are reviewed. Various experimental techniques for point contact production are described. Examples of point-contact spectra are presented for pure metals, alloys and compounds, as well as for semimetals and semiconductors, heavy fermion systems, Kond-lattices, mixed valence compounds and more. Superconducting point contacts are considered in respect to Andreev reflection and Josephson effects. Special attention is paid to contact conductance fluctuation, and new trends of research are outlined.

The main goal of solid-state physics is investigation of the properties of the matter including the mechanical, electrical, optical, magnetic, and so on with the aim of developing new materials with defined characteristics. Nowadays, the synthesis of superconductors with high critical temperature it consists of or fabrication of new heterostructures on the base of semiconductors, in cre­ ation of layered, amorphous, organic, or nanofabricated structures and many others. To do all of these, the various methods of investigation are developed during the past. Because it is impossible to find an universal method to in­ vestigate a variety of materials, which are either conducting or insulating, crystalline or amorphous, thin-layered or bulk, magnetic or segnetoelectric, and so on, various kind of spectroscopies, like optical, neutron, electron, tun­ nel and so on, are widely used in solid-state physics. Recently, a new type of spectroscopy, namely, the Point-Contact Spectroscopy (PCS), wasdesigned for study of the conduction-electron interaction mechanism with a whole class of elementary excitations in the solids. In PCS, a small constriction, about a few nanometers large, between two conductors plays a role of a spectrome­ ter. Namely, because of inelastic scattering of accelerated electrons, the I - V characteristic of such a tiny metallic contact is nonlinear versus an applied voltage and its second derivative surprisingly turns out to be proportional to the electron-quasiparticle-interaction spectrum.

This monograph presents an intuitive theory of trial wave functions for strongly interacting fermions in fractional quantum Hall states. The correlation functions for the proposed fermion interactions follow a novel algebraic approach that harnesses the classical theory of invariants and semi-invariants of binary forms.

It starts from basic approaches to non-equilibrium physics, such as the mean-field approach, then proceeds to more advanced methods, such as dynamical mean-field theory and master equation approaches.

This book presents both experimental and theoretical aspects of topology in magnetism. It first discusses how the topology in real space is relevant for a variety of magnetic spin structures, including domain walls, vortices, skyrmions, and dynamic excitations, and then focuses on the phenomena that are driven by distinct topology in reciprocal momentum space, such as anomalous and spin Hall effects, topological insulators, and Weyl semimetals. Lastly, it examines how topology influences dynamic phenomena and excitations (such as spin waves, magnons, localized dynamic solitons, and Majorana fermions). The book also shows how these developments promise to lead the transformative revolution of information technology.

This book covers basic and advanced aspects in the field of Topological Matter. The chapters are based on the lectures presented during the Topological Matter School 2017. It provides graduate level content introducing the basic concepts of the field, including an introductory session on group theory and topological classification of matter. Different topological phases such as Weyls semi-metals, Majoranas fermions and topological superconductivity are also covered. A review chapter on the major experimental achievements in the field is also provided. The book is suitable not only for master, graduate and young postdoctoral researchers, but also to senior scientists who want to acquaint themselves with the subject.

This book presents the most important advances in the class of topological materials and discusses the topological characterization, modeling and metrology of materials.

This monograph presents an intuitive theory of trial wave functions for strongly interacting fermions in fractional quantum Hall states. The correlation functions for the proposed fermion interactions follow a novel algebraic approach that harnesses the classical theory of invariants and semi-invariants of binary forms.

The book details how optical transitions in the active materials, such as semiconductor quantum dots and quantum wells, can be described using a quantum approach to the dynamics of solid-state electrons under quantum confinement and their interaction with phonons, as well as their external pumping by electrical currents.

The book details how optical transitions in the active materials, such as semiconductor quantum dots and quantum wells, can be described using a quantum approach to the dynamics of solid-state electrons under quantum confinement and their interaction with phonons, as well as their external pumping by electrical currents.

This book introduces readers to the characteristic features of electromagnetic phenomena in superconductivity.

Science and engineering professionals in the interdisciplinary domains of nanotechnology, photonics, materials sciences, and quantum physics can familiarize themselves with selected highlights with eyes towards photonic applications in the fields of two-dimensional materials research, light–matter interactions, and quantum technologies.

Science and engineering professionals in the interdisciplinary domains of nanotechnology, photonics, materials sciences, and quantum physics can familiarize themselves with selected highlights with eyes towards photonic applications in the fields of two-dimensional materials research, light–matter interactions, and quantum technologies.

This book deals with a new class of magnetic materials, spin ice. Beyond classical spin ice, the book describes the new physics emerging when quantum coherence (spin liquids, photon-like excitations) and itinerant electrons (anomalous Hall effect) are included in artificial systems.

This book covers the flux pinning mechanisms and properties and the electromagnetic phenomena caused by the flux pinning common for metallic, high-Tc and MgB2 superconductors.

This book covers the flux pinning mechanisms and properties and the electromagnetic phenomena caused by the flux pinning common for metallic, high-Tc and MgB2 superconductors.

This book provides a model description for the electromagnetic response of topological nodal semimetals and summarizes recent experimental findings in these systems. Specifically, it discusses various types of topological semimetals – Dirac, Weyl, nodal-line, triple-point, and multifold semimetals – and provides description for the characteristic features of the linear electrodynamic response for all these types of materials.Topological semimetals possess peculiar bulk electronic band structure, which leads to unusual electrodynamic response. For example, the low-energy inter-band optical conductivity of nodal semimetals is supposed to demonstrate power-law frequency dependence and the intra- and inter-band contributions to the conductivity are often mixed. Further, the magneto-optical response is also unusual, because of the non-equidistant spacing between the Landau levels. Finally, in semimetals with chiral electronic bands, e.g. in Weyl semimetals, thesimultaneous application of parallel magnetic and electric fields leads to the chiral anomaly, i.e. to a misbalance between the electrons with diffident chiralities. This misbalance affects the electrodynamics properties of the material and can be detected optically. All these points are addressed here in detail.The book is written for a wide audience of physicists, working in the field of topological condensed matter physics. It gives a pedagogical introduction enabling graduate students and non-experts to familiarize themselves with the subject.

This book provides a model description for the electromagnetic response of topological nodal semimetals and summarizes recent experimental findings in these systems. Specifically, it discusses various types of topological semimetals – Dirac, Weyl, nodal-line, triple-point, and multifold semimetals – and provides description for the characteristic features of the linear electrodynamic response for all these types of materials.Topological semimetals possess peculiar bulk electronic band structure, which leads to unusual electrodynamic response. For example, the low-energy inter-band optical conductivity of nodal semimetals is supposed to demonstrate power-law frequency dependence and the intra- and inter-band contributions to the conductivity are often mixed. Further, the magneto-optical response is also unusual, because of the non-equidistant spacing between the Landau levels. Finally, in semimetals with chiral electronic bands, e.g. in Weyl semimetals, thesimultaneous application of parallel magnetic and electric fields leads to the chiral anomaly, i.e. to a misbalance between the electrons with diffident chiralities. This misbalance affects the electrodynamics properties of the material and can be detected optically. All these points are addressed here in detail.The book is written for a wide audience of physicists, working in the field of topological condensed matter physics. It gives a pedagogical introduction enabling graduate students and non-experts to familiarize themselves with the subject.

This book focuses on nanoscale electronic phase separation in a wide class of different materials, especially in strongly correlated electron systems.

This book focuses on nanoscale electronic phase separation in a wide class of different materials, especially in strongly correlated electron systems. It features an extensive review of the field of inhomogeneous spin and charge states in condensed matter physics while delivering a topical and timely discussion of a wide range of recent advances in electronic phase separation. It describes the formation of different types of nanoscale ferromagnetic metallic droplets in antiferromagnetically ordered, charge-ordered, or orbitally-ordered insulating matrices, as well as the colossal magnetoresistance effect and tunneling electron transport in the nonmetallic phase-separated state of complex magnetic oxides. It also discusses compounds with spin-state transitions, inhomogeneously phase-separated states in strongly correlated multiband systems, and the electron polaron effect, paying special attention to systems with imperfect Fermi surface-nesting such as chromium alloys, iron-based pnictides, and AA-stacked graphene bilayers. The authors investigate also the formation of order parameter clusters and insulator-superconductor transition in different superconducting systems including bismuth oxides, two-dimensional films in the presence of strong disorder, as well as inhomogeneous Fermi-Bose mixtures in Aharonov-Bohm rings with a superconducting bridge in a topologically nontrivial state. This book is a valuable resource for researchers involved in theoretical and experimental studies of strongly correlated materials, such as magnetic semiconductors, Fermi-Bose mixtures, and twisted bilayer graphene.

This book explores the intricate world of electron behavior within solids, revealing them to be waves—a fundamental insight crucial to grasping modern electronics, computing, and solid-state devices.

Further, it discusses the effects of magnetic field on the energy eigenstates of excitons, and talks about polarization-resolved spectroscopy under magnetic field for identifying excitons and obtaining deeper insight of the excitonic structure as well as the semiconductor band structure.

This book provides an in-depth exploration of the physics underlying electron diffraction and imaging, with a focus on their applications in materials characterization. Originally published in 1995, the first edition systematically summarized various dynamic theories associated with quantitative electron microscopy and their applications in simulations of electron diffraction patterns and images. Since then, significant progress has been made in the field, necessitating this revised second edition.The second edition introduces new content, particularly emphasizing the diffraction and imaging of inelastically scattered electrons, a topic that has not been extensively covered in existing literature. This edition also includes updated theories and methodologies, reflecting the advancements in the field over the past decades. The book assumes that readers have a foundational understanding of electron microscopy, electron diffraction, and quantum mechanics. It aims to serve as a comprehensive guide for approaching phenomena observed in electron microscopy from the perspective of diffraction physics.

This end edition introduces to the characteristic features of electromagnetic phenomena in superconductors, demonstrating how these phenomena not only align with Maxwell’s theory but also expand its scope. By presenting examples of peculiar magnetic behaviors, the book broadens the reader’s understanding of electromagnetism and its implications in superconductivity.The book explores key concepts such as flux pinning, responsible for non-dissipative currents in DC systems and hysteretic irreversibility in AC systems. This irreversibility, akin to friction, arises from the instability in the motion of quantized magnetic flux lines. Additionally, the longitudinal magnetic field effect is examined, highlighting its role in advancing Maxwell’s theory. Through these discussions, readers will gain insights into the dynamics of quantized magnetic flux lines and the critical current density, crucial for the practical application of superconductors.With numerous appendices to support the derivation of complex equations, this book is an essential resource for students and young scientists interested in applied superconductivity, particularly in power applications. It offers a comprehensive introduction to the electromagnetic phenomena in superconductors, from fundamental principles to advanced topics. Graduate students, researchers, and engineers in the electric utility industry will find this book invaluable for its detailed exploration of superconductivity and its applications.Researchers and practitioners in the field of superconductivity, as well as engineers working in the electric utility industry, will benefit from the insights provided in this book. It serves as a critical resource for understanding the electromagnetic phenomena in superconductors and their practical applications, making it a must-read for those seeking to deepen their knowledge in this area.

This book plays a crucial role in understanding the dynamics of quantum systems, exploring how group velocity shapes the behavior of electrons, photons, and other quantum entities while challenging classical perspectives on atomic orbitals and solid-state physics.In conventional treatments, atomic orbitals are constructed from plane waves with fixed energies, disregarding the role of group velocity. But what happens when group velocity is considered? Incorporating group velocity leads to unexpected results: electron waves disperse, atomic structures grow unrealistically large, and familiar models of the hydrogen atom require rethinking. This analysis reveals how group velocity introduces forces that demand new physics to reconcile.Beyond atomic orbitals, the influence of group velocity extends to solid-state physics, shaping electron transport, superconductivity, and lattice dynamics. In optics, it governs photon propagation and optical emissions, while in high-energy physics, it plays a crucial role in determining scattering cross-sections. Applications also span Fermi liquid theory and the behavior of electrons in magnetic fields, offering a unified framework that bridges diverse areas of modern physics.Serving as a compelling resource for researchers, students, and enthusiasts of quantum mechanics, solid-state physics, and optical sciences, this work provides a fresh perspective on the interplay between wave dynamics and the physical world.

This book explores ferroic crystals, focusing on the intricate relationship between their macroscopic properties and microscopic phenomena. Ferroic materials, characterized by hysteresis cycles that link magnetization, polarization, and deformation to their respective fields, are pivotal in understanding and advancing various technological applications.For the first time, this volume presents experimental evidence directly linking macroscopic responses to microscopic interface phenomena—domains, domain walls, and phase fronts—offering unprecedented clarity into the inner workings of ferroic systems. Simultaneous observations of domains, susceptibility measurements, and gamma diffractometry reveal how these microscopic structures govern the shape and coercive fields of hysteresis cycles, especially at first-order phase transitions.The book bridges the gap between macroscopic measurements and nanoscopic insights, highlighting how domain interactions influence susceptibility through both short- and long-range effects, including freezing processes, isolated walls, and events occurring within the walls themselves. It further demonstrates how domain wall interactions—often overlooked in theoretical models—play a critical role in the reversal of ferroic order parameters.Special attention is given to the interplay between ferroelasticity and ferroelectricity, delving into energy dynamics, phase transitions, and thermodynamic models. Notably, the manipulation of chemical, mechanical, and electrostatic energies in first-order transitions is shown to affect the shape of phase fronts, which may appear as planes, “factory roof” geometries, or even fractal patterns, and may include periodic inclusions of one phase in another.With clear explanations, visual demonstrations, and practical experimental insights, the book caters to researchers and students aiming to deepen their understanding of these phenomena. Designed for both seasoned scientists and budding researchers, it integrates experimental data, simulation results, and theoretical models to provide a holistic understanding of ferroic crystals, their behaviors, and their applications in modern science and technology.

This book represents volume 2 of a 3-volume monograph on Particle Penetration and Radiation Effects. While volume 1 addressed the basic theory of scattering and stopping of swift point charges, i.e., protons, antiprotons and alpha particles, the present volume focuses on ions heavier than helium as well as molecules and clusters over an energy range from a few keV/u to a few hundred MeV/u. The book addresses the foundations in atomic-collision physics of a wide variety of application areas within materials and surface science and engineering, micro and nano science and technology, radiation medicine and biology as well as nuclear and particle physics. Problems have been added to all chapters. This should make the book useful for both self-study and advanced university courses. An effort has been made to establish a unified notation throughout the monograph.

This book explains modern and interesting physics in heavy-fermion (HF) compounds to graduate students and researchers in condensed matter physics. It presents a theory of heavy-fermion (HF) compounds such as HF metals, quantum spin liquids, quasicrystals and two-dimensional Fermi systems. The basic low-temperature properties and the scaling behavior of the compounds are described within the framework of the theory of fermion condensation quantum phase transition (FCQPT). Upon reading the book, the reader finds that HF compounds with quite different microscopic nature exhibit the same non-Fermi liquid behavior, while the data collected on very different HF systems have a universal scaling behavior, and these compounds are unexpectedly uniform despite their diversity. For the reader's convenience, the analysis of compounds is carried out in the context of salient experimental results. The numerous calculations of the non-Fermi liquid behavior, thermodynamic, relaxation and transport properties, being in good agreement with experimental facts, offer the reader solid grounds to learn the theory's applications. Finally, the reader will learn that FCQPT develops unexpectedly simple, yet completely good description of HF compounds.

This book provides an overview of recent developments in experiments probing the fractional quantum Hall (FQH) states of the second Landau level, especially the \nu=5/2 state. It summarizes the state-of-the-art understanding of these FQH states. It furthermore describes how the properties of the FQH states can be probed experimentally, by investigating tunneling and confinement properties. The progress towards the realization of an experiment, allowing to probe the potentially non-Abelian statistics of the quasiparticle excitations at \nu=5/2 is discussed. The book is intended as a reference for graduate students, PostDocs and researchers starting in the field. The experimental part of this book gives practical advice for solving the experimental challenges which researchers studying highly fragile FQH states are faced with.