Exactly Solved Models in Statistical Mechanics

A thorough and pedagogical introduction to phase transitions and exactly solved models in statistical physics and quantum field theory.

Fundamental concepts of phase transitions, such as order parameters, spontaneous symmetry breaking, scaling transformations, conformal symmetry and anomalous dimensions, have deeply changed the modern vision of many areas of physics, leading to remarkable developments in statistical mechanics, elementary particle theory, condensed matter physics and string theory. This self-contained book provides a thorough introduction to the fascinating world of phase transitions and frontier topics of exactly solved models in statistical mechanics and quantum field theory, such as renormalization groups, conformal models, quantum integrable systems, duality, elastic S-matrices, thermodynamic Bethe ansatz and form factor theory. The clear discussion of physical principles is accompanied by a detailed analysis of several branches of mathematics distinguished for their elegance and beauty, including infinite dimensional algebras, conformal mappings, integral equations and modular functions. Besides advanced research themes, the book also covers many basic topics in statistical mechanics, quantum field theory and theoretical physics. Each argument is discussed in great detail while providing overall coherent understanding of physical phenomena. Mathematical background is made available in supplements at the end of each chapter, when appropriate. The chapters include problems of different levels of difficulty. Advanced undergraduate and graduate students will find this book a rich and challenging source for improving their skills and for attaining a comprehensive understanding of the many facets of the subject.

Organized into topics ranging from lattice models in condensed matter physics to graph theory in mathematics. This title presents an overview of each of the topics and a look at how crucial developments emerged.

This unique volume provides a comprehensive overview of exactly solved models in statistical mechanics by looking at the scientific achievements of F Y Wu in this and related fields, which span four decades of his career. The book is organized into topics ranging from lattice models in condensed matter physics to graph theory in mathematics, and includes the author's pioneering contributions. Through insightful commentaries, the author presents an overview of each of the topics and an insider's look at how crucial developments emerged. With the inclusion of important pedagogical review articles by the author, Exactly Solved Models is an indispensable learning tool for graduate students, and an essential reference and source book for researchers in physics and mathematics as well as historians of science.

McCoy presents the advances made in statistical mechanics over the last 50 years, including mathematical theorems on order and phase transitions, numerical and series computations of phase diagrams and solutions for important solvable models such as Ising and 8 vortex.

A self-contained, mathematical introduction to the driving ideas in equilibrium statistical mechanics, studying important models in detail.