One of the best-written, most skillful expositions of group theory and its physical applications, directed primarily to advanced undergraduate and graduate students in physics, especially quantum physics. With problems.
Group Theory and its Applications, Volume III covers the two broad areas of applications of group theory, namely, all atomic and molecular phenomena, as well as all aspects of nuclear structure and elementary particle theory. This volume contains five chapters and begins with an introduction to Wedderburn’s theory to establish the structure of semisimple algebras, algebras of quantum mechanical interest, and group algebras. The succeeding chapter deals with Dynkin’s theory for the embedding of semisimple complex Lie algebras in semisimple complex Lie algebras. These topics are followed by a review of the Frobenius algebra theory, its centrum, its irreducible, invariant subalgebras, and its matric basis. The discussion then shifts to the concepts and application of the Heisenberg-Weyl ring to quantum mechanics. Other chapters explore some well-known results about canonical transformations and their unitary representations; the Bargmann Hilbert spaces; the concept of complex phase space; and the concept of quantization as an eigenvalue problem. The final chapter looks into a theoretical approach to elementary particle interactions based on two-variable expansions of reaction amplitudes. This chapter also demonstrates the use of invariance properties of space-time and momentum space to write down and exploit expansions provided by the representation theory of the Lorentz group for relativistic particles, or the Galilei group for nonrelativistic ones. This book will prove useful to mathematicians, engineers, physicists, and advance students.
This book, divided into two parts, now in its second edition, presents the basic principles of group theory and their applications in chemical theories. While retaining the thorough coverage of the previous edition, the book in Part I, discusses the symmetry elements, point groups and construction of character tables for different point groups. In Part II, it describes the concept of hybridization to explain the shapes of molecules and analyzes the character tables to predict infrared and Raman active vibrational modes of molecules. It also brings into fore the molecular orbital theory and the techniques of group theory to interpret bonding in transition metal complexes and their electronic spectra. Finally, the book describes the crystal symmetry in detail as well as the Woodward–Hoffmann rules to determine the pathways of electrocyclic and cycloaddition reactions. NEW TO THE SECOND EDITION • New sections on Direct Product, Group–sub-group Relationships, Effect of Descent in Octahedral Symmetry on Degeneracy, Jahn–Teller Distortion, Group–sub-group Relationships and Electronic Spectra of Complexes and Influence of Coordination on the Infrared Spectra of Oxoanionic Ligands, Space Groups • Revised sections on Projection Operator, SALC Molecular Orbitals of Benzene and π-Molecular Orbitals of 1, 3-Butadiene KEY FEATURES • Provides mathematical foundations to understand group theory. • Includes several examples to illustrate applications of group theory. • Presents chapter-end exercises to help the students check their understanding of the subject matter. The book is designed for the senior undergraduate students and postgraduate students of Chemistry. It will also be of immense use to the researchers in the fields where group theory is applied.
Geared toward theoretical physicists, this advanced text explores the value of modern group-theoretical methods in quantum theory. It explains the theory of groups and their matrix representations, developing them to the level required for applications. The main focus rests upon point and space groups, with applications to electronic and vibrational states. 1969 edition.
Group Theory: And Its Application To The Quantum Mechanics Of Atomic Spectra aims to describe the application of group theoretical methods to problems of quantum mechanics with specific reference to atomic spectra. Chapters 1 to 3 discuss the elements of linear vector theory, while Chapters 4 to 6 deal more specifically with the rudiments of quantum mechanics itself. Chapters 7 to 16 discuss the abstract group theory, invariant subgroups, and the general theory of representations. These chapters are mathematical, although much of the material covered should be familiar from an elementary course in quantum theory. Chapters 17 to 23 are specifically concerned with atomic spectra, as is Chapter 25. The remaining chapters discuss topics such as the recoupling (Racah) coefficients, the time inversion operation, and the classical interpretations of the coefficients. The text is recommended for physicists and mathematicians who are interested in the application of group theory to quantum mechanics. Those who are only interested in mathematics can choose to focus on the parts more devoted to that particular area of the subject.
Geared toward research students in physics and chemistry, this text introduces the three main uses of group theory in quantum mechanics: (1) to label energy levels and the corresponding eigenstates; (2) to discuss qualitatively the splitting of energy levels, starting from an approximate Hamiltonian and adding correction terms; and (3) to aid in the evaluation of matrix elements of all kinds. "The theme," states author Volker Heine, "is to show how all this is achieved by considering the symmetry properties of the Hamiltonian and the way in which these symmetries are reflected in the wave functions." Early chapters cover symmetry transformations, the quantum theory of a free atom, and the representations of finite groups. Subsequent chapters address the structure and vibrations of molecules, solid state physics, nuclear physics, and relativistic quantum mechanics. A previous course in quantum theory is necessary, but the relevant matrix algebra appears in an appendix. A series of examples of varying levels of difficulty follows each chapter. They include simple drills related to preceding material as well as extensions of theory and further applications. The text is enhanced with 46 illustrations and 12 helpful appendixes.
The majority of all knowledge concerning atoms, molecules, and solids has been derived from applications of group theory. Taking a unique, applications-oriented approach, this book gives readers the tools needed to analyze any atomic, molecular, or crystalline solid system. Using a clearly defined, eight-step program, this book helps readers to understand the power of group theory, what information can be obtained from it, and how to obtain it. The book takes in modern topics, such as graphene, carbon nanotubes and isotopic frequencies of molecules, as well as more traditional subjects: the vibrational and electronic states of molecules and solids, crystal field and ligand field theory, transition metal complexes, space groups, time reversal symmetry, and magnetic groups. With over 100 end-of-chapter exercises, this book is invaluable for graduate students and researchers in physics, chemistry, electrical engineering and materials science.
Not only was E.P. Wigner one of the most active creators of 20th century physics, he was also always interested in expressing his opinion in philosophical, political or sociological matters. This volume of his collected works covers a wide selection of his essays about science and society, about himself and his colleagues. Annotated by J. Mehra, this volume will become an important source of reference for historians of science, and it will be pleasant reading for every physicist interested in forming ideas in modern physics.
The success of the first edition of this book has encouraged us to revise and update it. In the second edition we have attempted to further clarify por tions of the text in reference to point symmetry, keeping certain sections and removing others. The ever-expanding interest in solids necessitates some discussion on space symmetry. In this edition we have expanded the discus sion on point symmetry to include space symmetry. The selection rules in clude space group selection rules (for k = 0). Numerous examples are pro vided to acquaint the reader with the procedure necessary to accomplish this. Recent examples from the literature are given to illustrate the use of group theory in the interpretation of molecular spectra and in the determination of molecular structure. The text is intended for scientists and students with only a limited theoretical background in spectroscopy. For this reason we have presented detailed procedures for carrying out the selection rules and normal coor dinate treatment of molecules. We have chosen to exclude discussion on symmetry aspects of molecular orbital theory and ligand field theory. It has been our approach to highlight vibrational data only, primarily to keep the size and cost of the book to a reasonable limit.
