Description

Quantum phase transitions describe the violent rearrangement of electrons or atoms as they evolve from well defined excitations in one phase to a completely different set of excitations in another. The chapters in this book give insights into how a coherent metallic or superconducting state can be driven into an incoherent insulating state by increasing disorder, magnetic field, carrier concentration and inter-electron interactions. The problem necessarily involves many interacting particles and therein lies the challenge to develop a multi-faceted theory. Experiments probing microscopic structure, transport, charge and spin dynamics provide important clues. What sets this book apart is a strong dialog between experiment and theory that has the potential to solve some major issues in many-body physics. The ideas and methods developed here are bound to have repercussions in all spheres of physics.

Features

• Explores topics at the forefront of research on quantum phase transitions
• Combines experiment and theory
• Focuses on intriguing quantum phases and transitions in metals, superconductors, and insulators
• First pedagogical text on the new developments in the field of metal-insulator and superconductor-insulator transitions
• Deals with the important topic of localization and its competition with metallic or superconducting behavior

Product Details

672 pages; 209 colour line drawings & 31 colour halftones; 9.7 x 6.7; ISBN13: 978-0-19-959259-3ISBN10: 0-19-959259-4

About the Author(s)