Symmetry, Group Theory, and the Physical Properties of Crystals (Lecture Notes in Physics (824))

This book demonstrates the importance of symmetry in determining the properties of solids and the power of using group theory and tensor algebra to elucidate these properties. It provides the fundamentals necessary for the reader to understand how to utilize these techniques in many different applications without becoming lost in a heavy formal treatment of the subject matter. The book begins by discussing the concepts of symmetry relevant to crystal structures. This is followed by a summary of the basics of group theory and how it applies to quantum mechanics. Next is a discussion of the description of the macroscopic properties of crystals by tensors and how symmetry determines the form of these tensors. The basic concepts covered in these early chapters are then applied to a series of different examples including crystal field theory treatment of point defects in solids, molecular orbitals, two-photon processes, the optical properties of solids, the nonlinear optical properties of solids, lattice vibrations, the Jahn-Teller effect, and the effects of translational symmetry on electronic energy bands in solids.. Emphasis is placed on showing how group theory and tensor algebra can provide important information about the properties of a system without resorting to first principal quantum mechanical calculations. The book also features a comprehensive set of relevant tables, including crystal symmetries, point group character tables, matter tensors of different rank, and other tensor properties. Key Features: •Serves as a textbook or reference book for solid-state physics, solid-state chemistry, and materials science and engineering •Shows how the physical properties of solids are determined by their symmetry •Demonstrates the applications of group theory •Utilizes the concept of matter tensors •Includes an extensive set of reference tables and end of chapter problems. Annotation This book demonstrates the importance of symmetry in determining the properties of solids and the power of using group theory and tensor algebra to elucidate these properties. It provides the fundamentals necessary for the reader to understand how to utilize these techniques in many different applications without becoming lost in a heavy formal treatment of the subject matter. The book begins by discussing the concepts of symmetry relevant to crystal structures. This is followed by a summary of the basics of group theory and how it applies to quantum mechanics. Next is a discussion of the description of the macroscopic properties of crystals by tensors and how symmetry determines the form of these tensors. The basic concepts covered in these early chapters are then applied to a series of different examples including crystal field theory treatment of point defects in solids, molecular orbitals, two-photon processes, the optical properties of solids, the nonlinear optical properties of solids, lattice vibrations, the Jahn-Teller effect, and the effects of translational symmetry on electronic energy bands in solids. Emphasis is placed on showing how group theory and tensor algebra can provide important information about the properties of a system without resorting to first principal quantum mechanical calculations. The book also features a comprehensive set of relevant tables, including crystal symmetries, point group character tables, matter tensors of different rank, and other tensor properties Front Matter....Pages i-viii Symmetry in Solids....Pages 1-24 Group Theory....Pages 25-53 Tensor Properties of Crystals....Pages 55-78 Symmetry Properties of Point Defects in Solids....Pages 79-104 Symmetry and the Optical Properties of Crystals....Pages 105-135 Nonlinear Optics....Pages 137-163 Symmetry and Lattice Vibrations....Pages 165-199 Symmetry and Electron Energy Levels....Pages 201-224 Erratum to: Tensor Properties of Crystals....Pages E1-E3 Back Matter....Pages 225-230 Complete with reference tables and sample problems, this volume serves as a textbook or reference for solid-state physics and chemistry, materials science, and engineering. Chapters illustrate symmetry, and its role in determining solid properties, as well as a demonstration of group theory.