Statistical and Condensed Matter Physics

The book outlines the fundamentals of statistical and condensed matter physics. The statistical physics is the basis of condensed matter physics and the tool for studying a variety of condensed media in the thermodynamic (heat) conditions. The statistical physics is presented within the framework of canonical Gibbs distribution entailing the relations known from the classical (heat) thermodynamics. The application of the statistical theory embraces such topics as ideal classical and quantum gases, Bose-type excitations, phase transitions and critical phenomena, normal Fermi liquid, superconductivity, weakly non-ideal Bose gases, superfluidity, and magnetism. Each section ends with one or several problems with the solutions clarifying the paragraph content and delivering some additional physical examples. The problems give an opportunity for a reader to check the own real knowledge of the material studied.

Serguei N. Burmistrov is a professor of theoretical physics working at the Kurchatov Institute in Moscow. Main area of interest is the kinetics of quantum fluids, where he is known for his work on 3He-4He mixtures. The other works belong to superconductivity, normal metals, macroscopic quantum nucleation and quantum gases.