S. G. Rajeev
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- December 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199670857
- eISBN:
- 9780191775154
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199670857.001.0001
- Subject:
- Physics, Atomic, Laser, and Optical Physics
This book begins with the ancient parts of classical mechanics: the variational principle, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalisms, and Poisson brackets. The simple pendulum provides a glimpse of the ...
More
This book begins with the ancient parts of classical mechanics: the variational principle, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalisms, and Poisson brackets. The simple pendulum provides a glimpse of the beauty of elliptic curves, which will also appear later in rigid body mechanics. Geodesics in Riemannian geometry are presented as an example of a Hamiltonian system. Conversely, the path of a non-relativistic particle is a geodesic in a metric that depends on the potential. Orbits around a black hole are found. Hamilton-Jacobi theory is discussed, showing a path towards quantum mechanics and a connection to the eikonal of optics. The three body problem is studied in detail, including small orbits around the Lagrange points. The dynamics of a charged particle in a magnetic field, especially a magnetic monopole, is studied in the Hamiltonian formalism. Spin is shown to be a classical phenomenon. Symplectic integrators that allow numerical solutions of mechanical systems are derived. A simplified version of Feigenbaum's theory of period doubling introduces chaos. Following a classification of Mobius transformations, this book studies chaos on the complex plane: Julia sets, Fatou sets, and the Mandelblot are explained. Newton's method for solution of non-linear equations is viewed as a dynamical system, allowing a novel approach to the reduction of matrices to canonical form. This is used as a stepping stone to the KAM theory of maps of a circle to itself, unravelling a connection to the Diophantine problem of number theory. KAM theory of the solution of the Hamilton-Jacobi equation using Newton's iteration concludes the book.Less
This book begins with the ancient parts of classical mechanics: the variational principle, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalisms, and Poisson brackets. The simple pendulum provides a glimpse of the beauty of elliptic curves, which will also appear later in rigid body mechanics. Geodesics in Riemannian geometry are presented as an example of a Hamiltonian system. Conversely, the path of a non-relativistic particle is a geodesic in a metric that depends on the potential. Orbits around a black hole are found. Hamilton-Jacobi theory is discussed, showing a path towards quantum mechanics and a connection to the eikonal of optics. The three body problem is studied in detail, including small orbits around the Lagrange points. The dynamics of a charged particle in a magnetic field, especially a magnetic monopole, is studied in the Hamiltonian formalism. Spin is shown to be a classical phenomenon. Symplectic integrators that allow numerical solutions of mechanical systems are derived. A simplified version of Feigenbaum's theory of period doubling introduces chaos. Following a classification of Mobius transformations, this book studies chaos on the complex plane: Julia sets, Fatou sets, and the Mandelblot are explained. Newton's method for solution of non-linear equations is viewed as a dynamical system, allowing a novel approach to the reduction of matrices to canonical form. This is used as a stepping stone to the KAM theory of maps of a circle to itself, unravelling a connection to the Diophantine problem of number theory. KAM theory of the solution of the Hamilton-Jacobi equation using Newton's iteration concludes the book.
Michael Bordag, Galina Leonidovna Klimchitskaya, Umar Mohideen, and Vladimir Mikhaylovich Mostepanenko
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199238743
- eISBN:
- 9780191716461
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199238743.001.0001
- Subject:
- Physics, Condensed Matter Physics / Materials, Atomic, Laser, and Optical Physics
The subject of this book is the Casimir effect, i.e., a manifestation of zero-point oscillations of the quantum vacuum in the form of forces acting between closely spaced bodies. It is a purely ...
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The subject of this book is the Casimir effect, i.e., a manifestation of zero-point oscillations of the quantum vacuum in the form of forces acting between closely spaced bodies. It is a purely quantum effect. There is no force acting between neutral bodies in classical electrodynamics. The Casimir effect has become an interdisciplinary subject. It plays an important role in various fields of physics such as condensed matter physics, quantum field theory, atomic and molecular physics, gravitation and cosmology, and mathematical physics. Most recently, the Casimir effect has been applied to nanotechnology and for obtaining constraints on the predictions of unification theories beyond the Standard Model. The book assembles together the field-theoretical foundations of this phenomenon, the application of the general theory to real materials, and a comprehensive description of all recently performed measurements of the Casimir force, including the comparison between experiment and theory. There is increasing interest in forces of vacuum origin. Numerous new results have been obtained during the last few years which are not reflected in the literature, but are very promising for fundamental science and nanotechnology. The book provides a source of information which presents a critical assessment of all of the main results and approaches contained in published journal papers. It also proposes new ideas which are not yet universally accepted but are finding increasing support from experiment.Less
The subject of this book is the Casimir effect, i.e., a manifestation of zero-point oscillations of the quantum vacuum in the form of forces acting between closely spaced bodies. It is a purely quantum effect. There is no force acting between neutral bodies in classical electrodynamics. The Casimir effect has become an interdisciplinary subject. It plays an important role in various fields of physics such as condensed matter physics, quantum field theory, atomic and molecular physics, gravitation and cosmology, and mathematical physics. Most recently, the Casimir effect has been applied to nanotechnology and for obtaining constraints on the predictions of unification theories beyond the Standard Model. The book assembles together the field-theoretical foundations of this phenomenon, the application of the general theory to real materials, and a comprehensive description of all recently performed measurements of the Casimir force, including the comparison between experiment and theory. There is increasing interest in forces of vacuum origin. Numerous new results have been obtained during the last few years which are not reflected in the literature, but are very promising for fundamental science and nanotechnology. The book provides a source of information which presents a critical assessment of all of the main results and approaches contained in published journal papers. It also proposes new ideas which are not yet universally accepted but are finding increasing support from experiment.
Oliver Johns
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- January 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780198567264
- eISBN:
- 9780191717987
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198567264.001.0001
- Subject:
- Physics, Atomic, Laser, and Optical Physics
This book provides an innovative and mathematically sound treatment of the foundations of analytical mechanics and the relation of classical mechanics to relativity and quantum theory. A ...
More
This book provides an innovative and mathematically sound treatment of the foundations of analytical mechanics and the relation of classical mechanics to relativity and quantum theory. A distinguishing feature of the book is its integration of special relativity into teaching of classical mechanics. After a thorough review of the traditional theory, the book introduces extended Lagrangian and Hamiltonian methods that treat time as a transformable coordinate rather than the fixed parameter of Newtonian physics. Advanced topics such as covariant Langrangians and Hamiltonians, canonical transformations, and Hamilton-Jacobi methods are simplified by the use of this extended theory. And the definition of canonical transformation no longer excludes the Lorenz transformation of special relativity. This is also a book for those who study analytical mechanics to prepare for a critical exploration of quantum mechanics. Comparisons to quantum mechanics appear throughout the text. The extended Hamiltonian theory with time as a coordinate is compared to Dirac’s formalism of primary phase space constraints. The chapter on relativistic mechanics shows how to use covariant Hamiltonian theory to write the Klein-Gordon and Dirac equations. The chapter on Hamilton-Jacobi theory includes a discussion of the closely related Bohm hidden variable model of quantum mechanics. Classical mechanics itself is presented with an emphasis on methods, such as linear vector operators and dyadics, that will familiarise the student with similar techniques in quantum theory. Several of the current fundamental problems in theoretical physics, such as the development of quantum information technology and the problem of quantising the gravitational field, require a rethinking of the quantum-classical connection.Less
This book provides an innovative and mathematically sound treatment of the foundations of analytical mechanics and the relation of classical mechanics to relativity and quantum theory. A distinguishing feature of the book is its integration of special relativity into teaching of classical mechanics. After a thorough review of the traditional theory, the book introduces extended Lagrangian and Hamiltonian methods that treat time as a transformable coordinate rather than the fixed parameter of Newtonian physics. Advanced topics such as covariant Langrangians and Hamiltonians, canonical transformations, and Hamilton-Jacobi methods are simplified by the use of this extended theory. And the definition of canonical transformation no longer excludes the Lorenz transformation of special relativity. This is also a book for those who study analytical mechanics to prepare for a critical exploration of quantum mechanics. Comparisons to quantum mechanics appear throughout the text. The extended Hamiltonian theory with time as a coordinate is compared to Dirac’s formalism of primary phase space constraints. The chapter on relativistic mechanics shows how to use covariant Hamiltonian theory to write the Klein-Gordon and Dirac equations. The chapter on Hamilton-Jacobi theory includes a discussion of the closely related Bohm hidden variable model of quantum mechanics. Classical mechanics itself is presented with an emphasis on methods, such as linear vector operators and dyadics, that will familiarise the student with similar techniques in quantum theory. Several of the current fundamental problems in theoretical physics, such as the development of quantum information technology and the problem of quantising the gravitational field, require a rethinking of the quantum-classical connection.
Oliver Johns
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- December 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780191001628
- eISBN:
- 9780191775161
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780191001628.001.0001
- Subject:
- Physics, Atomic, Laser, and Optical Physics
This book provides an innovative and mathematically sound treatment of the foundations of analytical mechanics, and of the relation of classical mechanics to relativity and quantum theory. A ...
More
This book provides an innovative and mathematically sound treatment of the foundations of analytical mechanics, and of the relation of classical mechanics to relativity and quantum theory. A distinguishing feature is its integration of special relativity into the teaching of classical mechanics. After a thorough review of the traditional theory, Part II of the book introduces extended Lagrangian and Hamiltonian methods that treat time as a transformable coordinate rather than the fixed parameter of Newtonian physics. Advanced topics such as covariant Langrangians and Hamiltonians, canonical transformations, and Hamilton-Jacobi methods are simplified by the use of this extended theory. The definition of canonical transformation no longer excludes the Lorentz transformation of special relativity. This is also a book for those who study analytical mechanics to prepare for a critical exploration of quantum mechanics since comparisons to quantum mechanics appear throughout the text. The extended Hamiltonian theory with time as a coordinate is compared to Dirac's formalism of primary phase space constraints. The chapter on relativistic mechanics shows how to use covariant Hamiltonian theory to write the Klein-Gordon and Dirac equations. The chapter on Hamilton-Jacobi theory includes a discussion of the closely related Bohm hidden variable model of quantum mechanics. Classical mechanics itself is presented with an emphasis on methods such as linear vector operators and dyadics that will familiarise the student with similar techniques in quantum theory. Several of the current fundamental problems in theoretical physics require a rethinking of the quantum–classical connection.Less
This book provides an innovative and mathematically sound treatment of the foundations of analytical mechanics, and of the relation of classical mechanics to relativity and quantum theory. A distinguishing feature is its integration of special relativity into the teaching of classical mechanics. After a thorough review of the traditional theory, Part II of the book introduces extended Lagrangian and Hamiltonian methods that treat time as a transformable coordinate rather than the fixed parameter of Newtonian physics. Advanced topics such as covariant Langrangians and Hamiltonians, canonical transformations, and Hamilton-Jacobi methods are simplified by the use of this extended theory. The definition of canonical transformation no longer excludes the Lorentz transformation of special relativity. This is also a book for those who study analytical mechanics to prepare for a critical exploration of quantum mechanics since comparisons to quantum mechanics appear throughout the text. The extended Hamiltonian theory with time as a coordinate is compared to Dirac's formalism of primary phase space constraints. The chapter on relativistic mechanics shows how to use covariant Hamiltonian theory to write the Klein-Gordon and Dirac equations. The chapter on Hamilton-Jacobi theory includes a discussion of the closely related Bohm hidden variable model of quantum mechanics. Classical mechanics itself is presented with an emphasis on methods such as linear vector operators and dyadics that will familiarise the student with similar techniques in quantum theory. Several of the current fundamental problems in theoretical physics require a rethinking of the quantum–classical connection.
Vladilen Letokhov and Sveneric Johansson
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- May 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199548279
- eISBN:
- 9780191720512
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199548279.001.0001
- Subject:
- Physics, Atomic, Laser, and Optical Physics
Progress in modern radio astronomy led to the discovery of space masers in the microwave range, and it became a powerful tool for studies of interstellar star-forming molecular clouds. Progress in ...
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Progress in modern radio astronomy led to the discovery of space masers in the microwave range, and it became a powerful tool for studies of interstellar star-forming molecular clouds. Progress in observational astronomy, particularly with ground-based huge telescopes and the space-based Hubble Space Telescope, has led to recent discoveries of space lasers in the optical range. These operate in gas condensations in the vicinity of the mysterious star Eta Carinae (one of the most luminous and massive stars of our Galaxy). Both maser and laser effects, first demonstrated under laboratory conditions, have now been discovered to occur under natural conditions in space too. This book describes consistently the elements of laser science, astrophysical plasmas, modern astronomical observation techniques, and the fundamentals and properties of astrophysical lasers.Less
Progress in modern radio astronomy led to the discovery of space masers in the microwave range, and it became a powerful tool for studies of interstellar star-forming molecular clouds. Progress in observational astronomy, particularly with ground-based huge telescopes and the space-based Hubble Space Telescope, has led to recent discoveries of space lasers in the optical range. These operate in gas condensations in the vicinity of the mysterious star Eta Carinae (one of the most luminous and massive stars of our Galaxy). Both maser and laser effects, first demonstrated under laboratory conditions, have now been discovered to occur under natural conditions in space too. This book describes consistently the elements of laser science, astrophysical plasmas, modern astronomical observation techniques, and the fundamentals and properties of astrophysical lasers.
Alan Corney
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199211456
- eISBN:
- 9780191705915
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199211456.001.0001
- Subject:
- Physics, Atomic, Laser, and Optical Physics
This book gives an account of the progress that has been made in the fields of atomic physics and laser spectroscopy during the last fifty years. The first five chapters prepare the foundations of ...
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This book gives an account of the progress that has been made in the fields of atomic physics and laser spectroscopy during the last fifty years. The first five chapters prepare the foundations of atomic physics, classical electro-magnetism, and quantum mechanics, which are necessary for an understanding of the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with free atoms. The application of these concepts to processes involving the spontaneous emission of radiation is then developed in Chapters 6, 7, and 8, while stimulated emission and the properties of gas and tunable dye lasers form the subject matter of Chapters 9 to 14. The last four chapters are concerned with the physics and applications of atomic resonance fluorescence, optical double-resonance, optical pumping, and atomic beam magnetic resonance.Less
This book gives an account of the progress that has been made in the fields of atomic physics and laser spectroscopy during the last fifty years. The first five chapters prepare the foundations of atomic physics, classical electro-magnetism, and quantum mechanics, which are necessary for an understanding of the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with free atoms. The application of these concepts to processes involving the spontaneous emission of radiation is then developed in Chapters 6, 7, and 8, while stimulated emission and the properties of gas and tunable dye lasers form the subject matter of Chapters 9 to 14. The last four chapters are concerned with the physics and applications of atomic resonance fluorescence, optical double-resonance, optical pumping, and atomic beam magnetic resonance.
Peter Eaton and Paul West
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199570454
- eISBN:
- 9780191722851
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199570454.001.0001
- Subject:
- Physics, Atomic, Laser, and Optical Physics
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is an amazing technique that allies a versatile methodology (it allows the imaging of samples in liquid, vacuum or air) to imaging with unprecedented resolution. But it ...
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Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is an amazing technique that allies a versatile methodology (it allows the imaging of samples in liquid, vacuum or air) to imaging with unprecedented resolution. But it goes one step further than conventional microscopic techniques; it also allows us to make measurements of magnetic, electrical or mechanical properties of the widest possible range of samples, with nanometre resolution. This book will demystify AFM for the reader, making it easy to understand, and easy to use. Peter Eaton and Paul West share a common passion for atomic force microscopy. However, they have very different perspectives on the technique. Over the past 12 years Peter used AFMs as the focal point of his research in a variety of scientific projects from materials science to biology. Paul, on the other hand, is an instrument builder and has spent the past 25 years creating these microscopes for scientists and engineers. This insightful book covers the theory, practice and applications of atomic force microscopes and will serve as an introduction to AFM for scientists and engineers that want to learn about this powerful technique, and as a reference book for expert AFM users. Application examples from the physical, materials, and life sciences, nanotechnology and industry illustrate the many and varied capabilities of the technique.Less
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is an amazing technique that allies a versatile methodology (it allows the imaging of samples in liquid, vacuum or air) to imaging with unprecedented resolution. But it goes one step further than conventional microscopic techniques; it also allows us to make measurements of magnetic, electrical or mechanical properties of the widest possible range of samples, with nanometre resolution. This book will demystify AFM for the reader, making it easy to understand, and easy to use. Peter Eaton and Paul West share a common passion for atomic force microscopy. However, they have very different perspectives on the technique. Over the past 12 years Peter used AFMs as the focal point of his research in a variety of scientific projects from materials science to biology. Paul, on the other hand, is an instrument builder and has spent the past 25 years creating these microscopes for scientists and engineers. This insightful book covers the theory, practice and applications of atomic force microscopes and will serve as an introduction to AFM for scientists and engineers that want to learn about this powerful technique, and as a reference book for expert AFM users. Application examples from the physical, materials, and life sciences, nanotechnology and industry illustrate the many and varied capabilities of the technique.
Massimo Inguscio and Leonardo Fallani
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- December 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780198525844
- eISBN:
- 9780191780059
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198525844.001.0001
- Subject:
- Physics, Atomic, Laser, and Optical Physics
Are the fundamental constants of Nature really constant? How can we build clocks that lose only a few seconds on the entire life of the Universe? This book answers these questions by illustrating the ...
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Are the fundamental constants of Nature really constant? How can we build clocks that lose only a few seconds on the entire life of the Universe? This book answers these questions by illustrating the history and the most recent advances in atomic physics connected to the possibility of performing precise measurements and achieving the ultimate control of the atomic state. Written in an introductory style, this book is addressed to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as to more experienced researchers who need to stay up-to-date with the most recent advances. It is not a classical atomic physics textbook, in which the focus is on the theory of atomic structures and on light-matter interaction: it focuses on the experimental investigations, illustrating milestone experiments and key experimental techniques, as well as discussing the results and the challenges of contemporary research. Emphasis is given to the investigation of precision physics: from the determination of fundamental constants to tests of general relativity and quantum electrodynamics, from the realization of atomic clocks and interferometers to the precise simulation of condensed matter theories with ultracold gases. The book discusses these topics while tracing the evolution of experimental atomic physics from traditional laser spectroscopy to the revolution introduced by laser cooling, which allows the manipulation of atoms at a billionth of a degree above absolute zero, opening new frontiers in precision in atomic spectroscopy and revealing novel states of matter.Less
Are the fundamental constants of Nature really constant? How can we build clocks that lose only a few seconds on the entire life of the Universe? This book answers these questions by illustrating the history and the most recent advances in atomic physics connected to the possibility of performing precise measurements and achieving the ultimate control of the atomic state. Written in an introductory style, this book is addressed to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as to more experienced researchers who need to stay up-to-date with the most recent advances. It is not a classical atomic physics textbook, in which the focus is on the theory of atomic structures and on light-matter interaction: it focuses on the experimental investigations, illustrating milestone experiments and key experimental techniques, as well as discussing the results and the challenges of contemporary research. Emphasis is given to the investigation of precision physics: from the determination of fundamental constants to tests of general relativity and quantum electrodynamics, from the realization of atomic clocks and interferometers to the precise simulation of condensed matter theories with ultracold gases. The book discusses these topics while tracing the evolution of experimental atomic physics from traditional laser spectroscopy to the revolution introduced by laser cooling, which allows the manipulation of atoms at a billionth of a degree above absolute zero, opening new frontiers in precision in atomic spectroscopy and revealing novel states of matter.
Olle Eriksson, Anders Bergman, Lars Bergqvist, and Johan Hellsvik
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- May 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780198788669
- eISBN:
- 9780191830747
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198788669.001.0001
- Subject:
- Physics, Atomic, Laser, and Optical Physics
The purpose of this book is to provide a theoretical foundation and an understanding of atomistic spin-dynamics, and to give examples of where the atomistic Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation can and ...
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The purpose of this book is to provide a theoretical foundation and an understanding of atomistic spin-dynamics, and to give examples of where the atomistic Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation can and should be used. The contents involve a description of density functional theory both from a fundamental viewpoint as well as a practical one, with several examples of how this theory can be used for the evaluation of ground state properties like spin and orbital moments, magnetic form-factors, magnetic anisotropy, Heisenberg exchange parameters, and the Gilbert damping parameter. This book also outlines how interatomic exchange interactions are relevant for the effective field used in the temporal evolution of atomistic spins. The equation of motion for atomistic spin-dynamics is derived starting from the quantum mechanical equation of motion of the spin-operator. It is shown that this lead to the atomistic Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation, provided a Born-Oppenheimer-like approximation is made, where the motion of atomic spins is considered slower than that of the electrons. It is also described how finite temperature effects may enter the theory of atomistic spin-dynamics, via Langevin dynamics. Details of the practical implementation of the resulting stochastic differential equation are provided, and several examples illustrating the accuracy and importance of this method are given. Examples are given of how atomistic spin-dynamics reproduce experimental data of magnon dispersion of bulk and thin-film systems, the damping parameter, the formation of skyrmionic states, all-thermal switching motion, and ultrafast magnetization measurements.Less
The purpose of this book is to provide a theoretical foundation and an understanding of atomistic spin-dynamics, and to give examples of where the atomistic Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation can and should be used. The contents involve a description of density functional theory both from a fundamental viewpoint as well as a practical one, with several examples of how this theory can be used for the evaluation of ground state properties like spin and orbital moments, magnetic form-factors, magnetic anisotropy, Heisenberg exchange parameters, and the Gilbert damping parameter. This book also outlines how interatomic exchange interactions are relevant for the effective field used in the temporal evolution of atomistic spins. The equation of motion for atomistic spin-dynamics is derived starting from the quantum mechanical equation of motion of the spin-operator. It is shown that this lead to the atomistic Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation, provided a Born-Oppenheimer-like approximation is made, where the motion of atomic spins is considered slower than that of the electrons. It is also described how finite temperature effects may enter the theory of atomistic spin-dynamics, via Langevin dynamics. Details of the practical implementation of the resulting stochastic differential equation are provided, and several examples illustrating the accuracy and importance of this method are given. Examples are given of how atomistic spin-dynamics reproduce experimental data of magnon dispersion of bulk and thin-film systems, the damping parameter, the formation of skyrmionic states, all-thermal switching motion, and ultrafast magnetization measurements.
Olivier Darrigol
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- March 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780198816171
- eISBN:
- 9780191853661
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198816171.001.0001
- Subject:
- Physics, Atomic, Laser, and Optical Physics, History of Physics
One of the pillars of modern science, statistical mechanics, owes much to one man, the Austrian physicist Ludwig Boltzmann (1844–1906). As a result of his unusual working and writing styles, his ...
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One of the pillars of modern science, statistical mechanics, owes much to one man, the Austrian physicist Ludwig Boltzmann (1844–1906). As a result of his unusual working and writing styles, his enormous contribution remains little read and poorly understood. The purpose of this book is to make the Boltzmann corpus more accessible to physicists, philosophers, and historians, and so give it new life. The means are introductory biographical and historical materials, detailed and lucid summaries of every relevant publication, and a final chapter of critical synthesis. Special attention is given to Boltzmann’s theoretical tool-box and to his patient construction of lofty formal systems, even before their full conceptual import could be known. This constructive tendency largely accounts for his lengthy style, for the abundance of new constructions, for the relative vagueness of their object, and for the puzzlement of commentators. This book will help the reader cross the stylistic barrier and see how ingeniously Boltzmann combined atoms, mechanics, and probability to invent new bridges between the micro- and macro-worlds.Less
One of the pillars of modern science, statistical mechanics, owes much to one man, the Austrian physicist Ludwig Boltzmann (1844–1906). As a result of his unusual working and writing styles, his enormous contribution remains little read and poorly understood. The purpose of this book is to make the Boltzmann corpus more accessible to physicists, philosophers, and historians, and so give it new life. The means are introductory biographical and historical materials, detailed and lucid summaries of every relevant publication, and a final chapter of critical synthesis. Special attention is given to Boltzmann’s theoretical tool-box and to his patient construction of lofty formal systems, even before their full conceptual import could be known. This constructive tendency largely accounts for his lengthy style, for the abundance of new constructions, for the relative vagueness of their object, and for the puzzlement of commentators. This book will help the reader cross the stylistic barrier and see how ingeniously Boltzmann combined atoms, mechanics, and probability to invent new bridges between the micro- and macro-worlds.
