Soft condensed matter physics relies on a fundamental understanding at the interface between physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering for a host of materials and circumstances that are related to, but outside, the traditional definition of condensed matter physics. Featuring contributions from leading researchers in the field, this book uniquely discusses both the contemporary experimental and computational manifestations of soft condensed matter systems. From particle tracking and image analysis, novel materials and computational methods, to confocal microscopy and bacterial assays, this book will equip the reader for collaborative and interdisciplinary research efforts relating to a range of modern problems in nonlinear and non-equilibrium systems. It will enable both graduate students and experienced researchers to supplement a more traditional understanding of thermodynamics and statistical systems with knowledge of the techniques used in contemporary investigations. Color versions of a selection of the figures are available at www.cambridge.org/9780521115902.

This text offers an introduction to the properties and behaviour of soft matter. It begins with a treatment of the underlying principles, then discusses how the properties of certain substances and systems are treated within this framework.

Introduction. Role of modeling in soft matter physics / D. Frenkel -- 1. Applications of density functional theory in soft condensed matter / H. Lowen -- 2. Polymer phase separation / M. Muller -- 3. Self-consistent field theory of block copolymers / F. Qiu, A.-C. Shi and Y. Yang -- 4. Dynamic self-consistent field theories for polymer blends and block copolymers / T. Kawakatsu -- 5. Molecular dynamics in crystallization of helical polymers : crystal ordering and chirality selection / T. Yamamoto -- 6. Interplay of liquid-liquid demixing and polymer crystallization / W. Hu -- 7. Elucidation of single molecular observation of a giant DNA / C.-Y. Shew and K. Yoshikawa -- 8. Theoretical modeling of hydrogen bonding in macro-molecular solutions : the combination of quantum mechanics and molecular mechanics / J. Ma, N. Jiang and H. Li -- 9. Exotic electrostatics : unusual features of electrostatic interactions between macroions / A. Naji ... [et al.] -- 10. Computer modeling of liquid crystals / R. Hashim -- 11. Drop dynamics in complex fluids / J. J. Feng ... [et al.]

This primer is aimed at elevating graduate students of condensed matter theory to a level where they can engage in independent research. Topics covered include second quantisation, path and functional field integration, mean-field theory and collective phenomena.

First published in 2007, this second edition is for graduate students and researchers in theoretical, computational and experimental physics.

Granular systems arise in a variety of geological and industrial settings, from landslides, avalanches, and erosion to agricultural grains and pharmaceutical powders. Understanding the underlying physics that governs their behavior is the key to developing effective handling and transport mechanisms as well as appropriate environmental policies.Han

The Advances in Chemical Physics series—the cuttingedge of research in chemical physics The Advances in Chemical Physics series provides thechemical physics and physical chemistry fields with a forum forcritical, authoritative evaluations of advances in every area ofthe discipline. Filled with cutting-edge research reported in acohesive manner not found elsewhere in the literature, each volumeof the Advances in Chemical Physics series presents contributionsfrom internationally renowned chemists and serves as the perfectsupplement to any advanced graduate class devoted to the study ofchemical physics. This volume explores: Kinetics and thermodynamics of fluctuation-induced transitionsin multistable systems (G. Nicolis and C. Nicolis) Dynamical rare event simulation techniques for equilibrium andnonequilibrium systems (Titus S. van Erp) Confocal depolarized dynamic light scattering (M. Potenza, T.Sanvito, V. Degiorgio, and M. Giglio) The two-step mechanism and the solution-crystal spinodal fornucleation of crystals in solution (Peter G. Vekilov) Experimental studies of two-step nucleation duringtwo-dimensional crystallization of colloidal particles withshort-range attraction (John R. Savage, Liquan Pei, and Anthony D.Dinsmore) On the role of metastable intermediate states in the homogeneousnucleation of solids from solution (James F. Lutsko) Effects of protein size on thehigh-concentration/low-concentration phase transition (PatrickGrosfils) Geometric constraints in the self-assembly of mineral dendritesand platelets (John J. Kozak) What can mesoscopic level in situ observations teach us aboutkinetics and thermodynamics of protein crystallization? (MikeSleutel, Dominique Maes, and Alexander Van Driessche) The ability of silica to induce biomimetic crystallization ofcalcium carbonate (Matthias Kellermeier, Emilio Melero-GarcÍa,Werner Kunz, and Juan Manuel GarcÍa-Ruiz)

A comprehensive account of the theory, experimental work and computer modelling of spin glasses.

This book covers the experimental and theoretical understanding of surface and thin film processes. It presents a unique description of surface processes in adsorption and crystal growth, including bonding in metals and semiconductors. Emphasis is placed on the strong link between science and technology in the description of, and research for, new devices based on thin film and surface science. Practical experimental design, sample preparation and analytical techniques are covered, including detailed discussions of Auger electron spectroscopy and microscopy. Thermodynamic and kinetic models of structure are emphasised throughout. The book provides extensive leads into practical and research literature, as well as resources on the World Wide Web (see http://venables.asu.edu/book). Each chapter contains problems which aim to develop awareness of the subject and the methods used. Aimed as a graduate textbook, this book will also be useful as a sourcebook for graduate students, researchers and practitioners in physics, chemistry, materials science and engineering.