The Physics of Phase Transitions

The Physics of Phase Transitions occupies an important place at the crossroads of several fields central to materials sciences. This second edition incorporates new developments in the states of matter physics, in particular in the domain of nanomaterials and atomic Bose-Einstein condensates where progress is accelerating. New information and application examples are included. This work deals with all classes of phase transitions in fluids and solids, containing chapters on evaporation, melting, solidification, magnetic transitions, critical phenomena, superconductivity, and more. The book is intended for graduate students in physics and engineering; for working scientists it will serve both as an introduction and an overview. End-of-chapter problems and complete answers are included.

Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics of Phase Transitions.- Dynamics of Phase Transitions.- Phase Transitions in Liquids and Solids: Solidi.cation and Melting.- Phase Transitions in Fluids.- The Glass Transition.- Gelation and Transitions in Biopolymers.- Transitions and Collective Phenomena in Solids. New Properties.- Collective Phenomena in Liquids: Liquid Crystals and Super.uidity.- Microstructures, Nanostructures and Phase Transitions.- Transitions in Thin Films.- Phase Transitions under Extreme Conditions and in Large Natural and Technical Systems.