Tensor Properties of Crystals - Softcover

Taylor-and-francis

Softcover

ISBN 10: 085274031X ISBN 13: 9780852740316

Publisher: CRC Press, 1989

Synopsis

As the use of single crystals in scientific and technological applications has become increasingly important, so has an understanding of the variation of physical properties with crystalline direction. Such knowledge is needed to maximize the performance of solid state devices and many useful effects can be produced only in materials of the correct orientation. Tensor Properties of Crystals demonstrates how the application of tensors to a study of crystalline materials fulfils this need. This concise introduction to the subject is written from a physical, rather than mathematical, approach, although the reader needs some prior knowledge of vectors. After a discussion of crystal symmetry and an introduction to the uses of and differences in tensors, Tensor Properties of Crystals discusses applications to such areas as conductivity, elasticity and crystal optics. Each application illustrates particular features of the use of tensors, equipping the reader with principles that can be applied to any physical situation. Extensive use of diagrams, worked examples and problems with answers completes this useful textbook for undergraduate and graduate students of physics, materials science, chemistry, electronic engineering, optoelectronics and geophysics. Scientists investigating or utilising the properties of single crystals will also find this book of value. The Author After carrying out research in the Materials Section of the Electrical Engineering Department of Imperial College, David Lovett was appointed lecturer at Essex University in 1966. His teaching has moved from chemical to mainstream physics and his research interests have included the electrical and thermal properties of semiconductors and the x-ray topography of materials. At present his research is mainly in the area of thin films prepared by the Langmuir-Blodgett technique. other_titles

About this title

Synopsis

The use of single crystals in scientific and technological applications has become very important in recent years. A knowledge of the variation of physical properties with crystalline direction and an understanding of the need to use different coefficients has become essential for maximizing the performance of many solid-state devices. This book demonstrates the application of tensors (a mathematical technique) to crystalline materials. Although some prior knowledge of mathematics is required, this concise introduction to the subject is written from a physical, rather than mathematical, viewpoint. The book begins with a discussion of crystal symmetry, followed by an introduction to the use of second, third and fourth rank tensors, and explains the difference between axial and polar tensors. The applications of thermal and electrical conductivity, elasticity and crystal optics are discussed in detail. Extensive use of diagrams, worked examples and problems with answers help to provide a textbook in which applications are introduced in increasing complexity, allowing the reader to progress through as far as necessary for their own needs.

The book will be of interest to undergraduate and graduate students of condensed matter physics, physical chemistry, materials science, optoelectronics, electronic engineering and geophysics.

Edition details

• Publisher: CRC Press
• Publication date: 1989
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 085274031X
• ISBN 13: 9780852740316
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 160