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  • © 1988

Symmetries in Physics

Group Theory Applied to Physical Problems

Part of the book series: Springer Series in Solid-State Sciences (SSSOL, volume 64)

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Table of contents (14 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages I-XI
  2. Introduction

    • Wolfgang Ludwig, Claus Falter
    Pages 1-3
  3. Elements of the Theory of Finite Groups

    • Wolfgang Ludwig, Claus Falter
    Pages 4-17
  4. Discrete Symmetry Groups

    • Wolfgang Ludwig, Claus Falter
    Pages 18-46
  5. Representations of Finite Groups

    • Wolfgang Ludwig, Claus Falter
    Pages 47-86
  6. Irreducible Representations of Special Groups

    • Wolfgang Ludwig, Claus Falter
    Pages 87-125
  7. Tensor Operators and Expectation Values

    • Wolfgang Ludwig, Claus Falter
    Pages 126-138
  8. Molecular Spectra

    • Wolfgang Ludwig, Claus Falter
    Pages 139-182
  9. Selection Rules and Matrix Elements

    • Wolfgang Ludwig, Claus Falter
    Pages 183-202
  10. Representations of Space Groups

    • Wolfgang Ludwig, Claus Falter
    Pages 203-229
  11. Excitation Spectra and Selection Rules in Crystals

    • Wolfgang Ludwig, Claus Falter
    Pages 230-265
  12. Lie Groups and Lie Algebras

    • Wolfgang Ludwig, Claus Falter
    Pages 266-310
  13. Representations by Young Diagrams. The Method of Irreducible Tensors

    • Wolfgang Ludwig, Claus Falter
    Pages 311-317
  14. Applications of the Theory of Continuous Groups

    • Wolfgang Ludwig, Claus Falter
    Pages 318-349
  15. Internal Symmetries and Gauge Theories

    • Wolfgang Ludwig, Claus Falter
    Pages 350-405
  16. Back Matter

    Pages 406-463

About this book

Everyone knows that symmetry is fundamentally important in physics. On one hand, the symmetry of a system is often the starting point for general physical considerations, and on the other hand, particular problems may be solved in simpler and more elegant ways if symmetry is taken into account. This book presents the underlying theories of symmetry and gives examples of their application in branches of physics ranging from solid-state to high-energy physics via atomic and molecular physics. The text is as self-contained as possible, with as much mathematical formalism given as required. The main emphasis is on the theory of group representations and on the method of projection operators, this is a very powerful tool which is often treated only very briefly. Discrete symmetries, continuous symmetries and symmetry breaking are also discussed, and exercises are provided to stimulate the reader to carry out original work.

Authors and Affiliations

  • Institut für Theoretische Physik, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Fed. Rep. of Germany

    Wolfgang Ludwig, Claus Falter

Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 74.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access