This book presents an overview of the basic concepts, methods and applications of nonlinear low-dimensional solid-state physics based on the Frenkel--Kontorova model and its generalizations. It allows a nonspecialist to acquire foundations in the interdisciplinary concepts and methods of both solid-state physics and nonlinear science. It covers many important topics such as the nonlinear dynamics of discrete systems, the dynamics of solitons and their interaction, commensurate and incommensurate systems, statistical mechanics of nonlinear systems, ratchets, and nonequilibrium dynamics of interacting many-body systems. Also treated are the principal nonlinear equations along with the properties of their localized solutions and methods for their analysis.

Inhalt

1 Introduction.- 2 Physical Models.- 3 Kinks.- 4 Breathers.- 5 Ground State.- 6 Statistical Mechanics.- 7 Thermalized Dynamics.- 8 Driven Dynamics.- 9 Ratchets.- 10 Finite-Length Chain.- 11 Two-Dimensional Models.- 12 Conclusion.- 13 Historical Remarks.- References.