The phenomenon of localization of the electronic wave function in a random medium can be regarded as the key manifestation of quantum coherence in a condensed matter system. As one of the most remarkable phenomena in condensed matter physics discovered in the 20th century, the localization problem is an indispensable part of the theory of the quantum Hall effects and rivals superconductivity in its significance as a manifestation of quantum coherence at a macroscopic scale. The present volume, written by some of the leading experts in the field, is intended to highlight some of the recent progress in the field of localization, with particular emphasis on the effect of interactions on quantum coherence. The chapters are written in textbook style and should serve as a reliable and thorough introduction for advanced students or researchers already working in the field of mesoscopic physics.

The Physics of the Early Universe is an edited and expanded version of the lectures given at a recent summer school of the same name. Its aim is to present an advanced multi-authored textbook that meets the needs of both postgraduate students and young researchers interested in, or already working on, problems in cosmology and general relativity, with emphasis on the early universe. A particularly strong feature of the present work is the constructive-critical approach to the present mainstream theories, the careful assessment of some alternative approaches, and the overall balance between theoretical and observational considerations. As such, this book will also benefit experienced scientists and nonspecialists from related areas of research.

Powerful new techniques, including heavy ion and exotic beams, are pushing the frontiers of nuclear physics and opening up a wealth of new fields of research. After introductory chapters on theoretical and experimental aspects of nuclear collisions and beams, ``Exotic Nuclear Physics'' offers articles by experienced lecturers on forefront topics in nuclear physics, such as the conquest of the neutron and the proton drip-lines, nuclear astrophysics, the equation of state of hypernuclear matter, nuclear supersymmetry and chaotic motion in nuclei. This volume continues the successful tradition of published lecture notes from the Hispalensis International Summer School. It will benefit graduate students and lecturers in search of advanced material for self-study and courses as will as researchers in search of a modern and comprehensive source of reference.

Spectacular experimental advances in observational cosmology have helped raise cosmology to the status of a genuine science, and it is now possible to test many speculative theoretical issues and to obtain reliable values for the key parameters defining our observable universe. This book has emerged from selected lectures given at the Mexican School on Gravitation and Mathematical Physics by leaders in their field. Conceived as both a broad survey and as topical coverage of the latest developments, it will benefit graduate students and newcomers to this field and provide researchers in the field with a modern source of reference.

Research with radioactive ion beams has entered a new era with the advent of energetic beams of radioactive nuclei able to induce nuclear reactions. The present book is the first volume of edited lectures based on material presented at the Euroschool on Exotic Beams over the past years. It introduces the graduate student and nonspecialist scientist from related areas to various topics encompassing theoretical, experimental as well as application-related aspects of this growing field of research.

This book is about Nonlinear Optics, the study of how high-intensity light propagates through and interacts with matter. It takes the reader from the starting point of Maxwell's equations to some of the frontiers of modern research in the subject.

Hyposonic fluid flows, characterized by a low Mach number, are mainly linked with geophysical and environmental fluid flows. In addition they are relevant to engineers because of their connection with aerodynamics. The books brings together insights derived from mathematically rigorous results and combines them with a number of realistic fluid flow situations. Asymptotic analytic solutions for the low-Mach number cases are developed to provide both insights into the underlying physics as well as benchmarks for numerical computations.

The present monograph presents, for the first time, a unified and comprehensive introduction to some of the basic transport properties of porous media, such as electrical and hydraulic conductivity, air permeability and diffusion. The treatment is based on critical path analysis and the scaling of transport properties which are individually described as functions of saturation. At the same time, the book supplies a tutorial on percolation theory for hydrologists, providing them with the tools for solving actual problems. In turn, a separate chapter serves to introduces physicists to some of the language and complications of groundwater hydrology necessary for succesful modelling.

This book is a comprehensive survey of most of the theoretical and experimental achievements in the field of quantum estimation of states and operations. Albeit still quite young, this field has already been recognized as a necessary tool for research in quantum optics and quantum information, beyond being a fascinating subject in its own right since it touches upon the conceptual foundations of quantum mechanics. The book consists of twelve extensive lectures that are essentially self-contained and modular, allowing combination of various chapters as a basis for advanced courses and seminars on theoretical or experimental aspects. The last two chapters, for instance, form a self-contained exposition on quantum discrimination problems. The book will benefit graduate students and newcomers to the field as a high-level but accessible textbook, lecturers in search for advanced course material and researchers wishing to consult a modern and authoritative source of reference.