This volume collects several in-depth articles giving lucid discussions on new developments in statistical and condensed matter physics. Many, though not all, contributors had been in touch with the late S-K Ma. Written by some of the world's experts and originators of new ideas in the field, this book is a must for all researchers in theoretical physics. Most of the articles should be accessible to diligent graduate students and experienced readers will gain from the wealth of materials contained herein.

This volume collects several in-depth articles giving lucid discussions on new developments in statistical and condensed matter physics. Many, though not all, contributors had been in touch with the late S-K Ma. Written by some of the world's experts and originators of new ideas in the field, this book is a must for all researchers in theoretical physics. Most of the articles should be accessible to diligent graduate students and experienced readers will gain from the wealth of materials contained herein.

The subject of geometry has become an important ingredient in condensed matter physics. It appears not only to describe, but also to explain structures and their properties. There are two aspects to using geometry: the visual and intuitive understanding, which fosters an immediate grasp of the objects one studies, and the abstract tendency so well developed in the Riemannian manifold theory. Both aspects contribute to the same understanding when they are applied to the main problems occurring in condensed matter sciences. Sophisticated structures found in nature appear naturally as the result of simple constraints which are presented in geometrical terms. Blue phases, amorphous and glassy materials, Frank and Kasper Metals, quasi-crystals are approached in their complexity, using the simple principles of geometry. The relation between biology and liquid crystal sciences, the physics of membranes is a fundamental aspect presented in this book.

This volume is an introduction to the application of techniques developed for the study of disordered systems to problems which arise in biology. Topics presented include neural networks, adaptation and evolution, maturation of the immune response, and protein dynamics and folding. This book will appeal to students and researchers interested in statistical and condensed matter physics, glasses and spin glasses, and biophysics.

This is a collection of lectures by 11 active researchers, renowned specialists in a number of modern, promising, dynamically-developing research directions in condensed matter/solid state theory. The lectures are concerned with phenomena, materials and ideas, discussing theoretical and experimental features, as well as with methods of calculation.Readers will find up-to-date presentations of the methods of carrying out efficient calculations for electronic systems and quantum spin systems, together with applications to describe phenomena and to design new materials. These applications include systems of quantum dots, quantum gates, semiconductor materials for spintronics, and the unusual characteristics of warm dense matter.

This textbook is an accessible introduction to the theory underlying the many fascinating properties of solids. Assuming only an elementary knowledge of quantum mechanics, it describes the methods by which one can perform calculations and make predictions of some of the many complex phenomena that occur in solids and quantum liquids. The emphasis is on reaching important results by direct and intuitive methods, and avoiding unnecessary mathematical complexity. Designed as a self-contained text that starts at an elementary level and proceeds to more advanced topics, this book is aimed primarily at advanced undergraduate and graduate students in physics, materials science, and electrical engineering. Problem sets are included at the end of each chapter, with solutions available to lecturers. The coverage of some of fascinating developments in condensed matter physics will also appeal to experienced scientists in industry and academia working on electrical properties of materials.