Theory of critical phenomena in superconductors : quantum field theoretical approach

Kyozi Kawasaki, T. Tsuzuki

Igor F. Herbut

Critical phenomena is one of the most exciting areas of modern physics. This 2007 book provides a thorough but economic introduction into the principles and techniques of the theory of critical phenomena and the renormalization group, from the perspective of modern condensed matter physics. Assuming basic knowledge of quantum and statistical mechanics, the book discusses phase transitions in magnets, superfluids, superconductors, and gauge field theories. Particular attention is given to topics such as gauge field fluctuations in superconductors, the Kosterlitz-Thouless transition, duality transformations, and quantum phase transitions - all of which are at the forefront of physics research. This book contains numerous problems of varying degrees of difficulty, with solutions. These problems provide readers with a wealth of material to test their understanding of the subject. It is ideal for graduate students and more experienced researchers in the fields of condensed matter physics, statistical physics, and many-body physics.

Leonard W. Gruenberg, Leon Gunther

M. A. Contínentino

Quantum phase transitions are strongly relevant in a number of fields, ranging from condensed matter to cold atom physics and quantum field theory. This book, now in its second edition, approaches the problem of quantum phase transitions from a new and unifying perspective. Topics addressed include the concepts of scale and time invariance and their significance for quantum criticality, as well as brand new chapters on superfluid and superconductor quantum critical points, and quantum first order transitions. The renormalisation group in real and momentum space is also established as the proper language to describe the behaviour of systems close to a quantum phase transition. These phenomena introduce a number of theoretical challenges which are of major importance for driving new experiments. Being strongly motivated and oriented towards understanding experimental results, this is an excellent text for graduates, as well as theorists, experimentalists and those with an interest in quantum criticality.

D. van der Marel, H. J. A. Molegraaf, Jan Zaanen +7 more

Roberto Zivieri

This book covers some of the most recent advances in the field of superfluids and superconductors. More specifically, it presents some of the most advanced theoretical formulations of superfluidity and superconductivity with special regard to their topological properties and vortex dynamics together with a description of the main experiments carried out via experimental techniques at the forefront to study these two such important phenomena in condensed matter physics. Special emphasis is given to ultracold Fermi gases, to clean liquid helium and to vortex membranes and knots for the class of superfluids and to the emerging superconductivity, to intermediate states in type-I superconductors, and to heat treatments to modulate the critical temperature for the class of superconductors.