The book emphasizes the importance of modern differential geometry in theoretical physics, reflecting its growing relevance over the past decade. The author maintains the original mathematical language while correcting errors and adding a section on gauge theories, which are crucial for understanding fundamental interactions. Although developments in Kaluza-Klein theories and cosmology are noted, the author refrains from including them to avoid unproven speculations. Acknowledgments are given to contributors for their input and assistance in improving the work.
Surviving the Nazi occupation, Walter Thirring reflects on his life as a physicist intertwined with the major scientific breakthroughs of the 20th century. His narrative includes encounters with luminaries like Einstein and Heisenberg, as well as collaborations with contemporary scientists. Thirring elucidates the shift from classical physics to quantum mechanics in accessible language, drawing from his rich teaching experience. His autobiography also touches on his wartime experiences, the pursuit of scientific excellence, and a deep love for music, making it a compelling read for science and history enthusiasts.
This edition merges two previous volumes on Quantum Mechanics into a single comprehensive text for a two-semester course. While it includes essential updates, it primarily focuses on foundational concepts, with a new chapter on quantum ergodic theory and references to recent advancements in the field.
Focusing on the principles of statistical mechanics, this final volume challenges traditional approaches by discarding outdated methodologies. The author critiques the limitations of conventional perturbation theory, emphasizing its lack of substantive results and convergence issues. Instead, the book advocates for establishing sharp bounds on quantities of interest, acknowledging the inherent complexities of nontrivial problems. This unique perspective sets it apart from typical texts in the field, aiming for a clearer understanding of the subject's fundamental concepts.
In,1872, Boltzmann published a paper which for the first time provided a precise mathematical basis for a discussion of the approach to equilibrium. The paper dealt with the approach to equilibrium of a dilute gas and was based on an equation - the Boltzmann equation, as we call it now - for the velocity distribution function of such ~ gas. The Boltzmann equation still forms the basis of the kinetic theory of gases and has proved fruitful not only for the classical gases Boltzmann had in mind, but als- if properly generalized - for the electron gas in a solid and the excitation gas in a superfluid. Therefore it was felt by many of us that the Boltzmann equation was of sufficient interest, even today, to warrant a meeting, in which a review of its present status would be undertaken. Since Boltzmann had spent a good part of his life in Vienna, this city seemed to be a natural setting for such a meeting. The first day was devoted to historical lectures, since it was generally felt that apart from their general interest, they would furnish a good introduction to the subsequent scientific sessions. We are very much indebted to Dr. D.
Das Buch von W. Thirring bietet eine umfassende Einführung in die mathematische Physik, geeignet für Studierende und Fachleute. Es kombiniert klare Erklärungen mit zahlreichen Illustrationen und praxisbezogenen Beispielen. Die moderne Differentialgeometrie wird integriert, um die aktuellen Anforderungen der theoretischen Physik zu erfüllen.
Ist die Spezielle Relativitätstheorie nur etwas für mathematisch begabte Köpfe? Keineswegs, jeder kann sie verstehen, und das sogar ganz ohne Arithmetik oder Formeln! Lediglich Bilder und Diagramme reichen für eine Erklärung aus. Wer dieses Buch liest, kann sich selbst davon überzeugen: Die Autoren führen mit Geist und Witz so etwas wie das große Welttheater der Physik vor: Ob höhere Wesen wie Erzengel oder ganz irdische Genies mit wissenschaftlichen Ambitionen, sie alle ergründen die Rätsel von Raum und Zeit und bringen Einsteins Erkenntnisse in spielerischer Form einem interessierten Laienpublikum nahe. Dabei wird nicht an Illustrationen und spannenden Anekdoten über bedeutende Persönlichkeiten der Physik gespart, und wer sich die Formeln gar nicht abgewöhnen will, für den gibt es einen verformelten Anhang, der auch den anspruchsvollen Wissensdurst stillen wird.
