Statistical Physics I : Equilibrium Statistical Mechanics (Springer Series in Solid-state Sciences) (2 SUB)

The fundamentals of equilibrium statistical mechanics are discussed in this text, which focuses on basic physical aspects. No previous knowledge of thermodynamics or the molecular theory of gases is assumed. Illustrative examples based on simple materials and photon systems elucidate the central ideas and methods. This book not only offers an elementary introduction to statistical physics but also sets the stage for likely future developments. A fluent exposition of the general principles is given in the first half, while the second deals with two of the most fascinating subjects in this area: phase transitions and ergodic problems. Statistical Physics I discusses the fundamentals of equilibrium statistical mechanics, focussing on basic physical aspects. No previous knowledge of thermodynamics or the molecular theory of gases is assumed. Illustrative examples based on simple materials and photon systems elucidate the central ideas and methods. 1. General Preliminaries.- 1.1 Overview.- 1.2 Averages.- 1.3 The Liouville Theorem.- 2. Outlines of Statistical Mechanics.- 2.1 The Principles of Statistical Mechanics.- 2.2 Temperature.- 2.3 External Forces.- 2.4 Subsystems with a Given Temperature.- 2.5 Subsystems with a Given Pressure.- 2.6 Subsystems with a Given Chemical Potential.- 2.7 Fluctuation and Correlation.- 2.8 The Third Law of Thermodynamics, Nernst's Theorem.- 3. Applications.- 3.1 Quantum Statistics.- 3.2 Ideal Gases.- 3.3 Classical Systems.- 4. Phase Transitions.- 4.1 Models.- 4.2 Analyticity of the Partition Function and Thermodynamic Limit.- 4.3 One-Dimensional Systems.- 4.4 Ising Systems.- 4.5 Approximate Theories.- 4.6 Critical Phenomena.- 4.7 Renormalization Group Method.- 5. Ergodic Problems.- 5.1 Some Results from Classical Mechanics.- 5.2 Ergodic Theorems (I).- 5.3 Abstract Dynamical Systems.- 5.4 The Poincaré and Fermi Theorems.- 5.5 Fermi-Pasta-Ulam's Problem.- 5.6 Third Integrals.- 5.7 The Kolmogorov, Arnol'd and Moser Theorem.- 5.8 Ergodic Theorems (II).- 5.9 Quantum Mechanical Systems.- General Bibliography.- References.- Subject Index,.