Thermodynamics of Crystalline States

Thermodynamics is a well-established discipline of physics for properties of matter in thermal equilibrium surroundings. Applying to crystals, however, the laws encounter undefined properties of crystal lattices, which therefore need to be determined for a clear and well-defined description of crystalline states. Thermodynamics of Crystalline States explores the roles played by order variables and dynamic lattices in crystals in a wholly new way.

This book is divided into three parts. The book begins by clarifying basic concepts for stable crystals. Next, binary phase transitions are discussed to study collective motion of order variables, as described mostly as classical phenomena. In the third part, the multi-electron system is discussed theoretically, as a quantum-mechanical example, for the superconducting state in metallic crystals. Throughout the book, the role played by the lattice is emphasized and examined in-depth.

Thermodynamics of Crystalline States is an introductory treatise and textbook on mesoscopic phenomena in solid states, constituting a basic subject in condensed matter physics. While this book serves as an invaluable guide for advanced students in physics and engineering, it can also be useful as a reference for all professionals in related fields.

Minoru Fujimoto is author of Physics of Classical Electromagnetism (Springer, 2007) and The Physics of Structural Phase Transitions (Springer, 2005).

Résumé
Originated from studies on steam engines, thermodynamics is formulated traditi- ally for homogeneous materials. Applying to condensed matters however, laws of thermodynamics have to be evaluated with respect to the structural detail. Foll- ing after Kirkwood's chemical thermodynamics, the author's attempt is to discuss lattice dynamics in crystalline states in light of the traditional laws. It is noted that lattice symmetry remains as implicit in crystalline states if assumed as homo- neous, whereas deformed crystals with disrupted symmetry are not necessarily stable and inhomogeneous, exhibiting mesoscopic properties. In this context, the lattice dynamics in uniform crystalline states should accordingly be revised. Although mostly presumptive in the literature, such attempts should be formulated with fundamental principles for modern thermodynamics. I have selected structural changes and superconducting transitions for this book to discuss as basic pheno- na in crystals in thermal environment. Born and Huang have laid ground for thermodynamics of crystalline states in their book Dynamical Theory of Crystal Lattices. They assumed, however, that order disorder phenomena were independent from the lattice dynamics, and hence excluded from their book. On the other hand, new evidence indicates that the problem must be treated otherwise; the lattice does play a vital role in ordering processes. Accordingly, I was motivated to write about physics of crystal lattice in the light of BornHuang's principles, which constitutes my primary objective in this book.

Contenu
Phonons and Order Variables.- Phonons.- Order Variables and Adiabatic Potentials.- Statistical Theories of Binary Ordering.- Structural Phase Changes.- Pseudospin Clusters and Short-Range Correlations.- Critical Fluctuations.- Pseudospin Correlations.- The Soliton Theory.- Soft Modes.- Experimental Studies of Mesoscopic States.- Superconducting States in Metals.- Electrons in Metals.- Superconducting Phases.- Theories of Superconducting Transitions.