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Geometry and Light: The Science of Invisibility (Dover Books on Physics)
by Ulf Leonhardt Thomas PhilbinThe science of invisibility combines two of physics' greatest concepts: Einstein's general relativity and Maxwell's principles of electromagnetism. Recent years have witnessed major breakthroughs in the area, and the authors of this volume -- Ulf Leonhardt and Thomas Philbin of Scotland's University of St. Andrews -- have been active in the transformation of invisibility from fiction into science. Their work on designing invisibility devices is based on modern metamaterials, inspired by Fermat's principle, analogies between mechanics and optics, and the geometry of curved space. Suitable for graduate students and advanced undergraduates of engineering, physics, or mathematics, and scientific researchers of all types, this is the first authoritative textbook on invisibility and the science behind it. The book is two books in one: it introduces the mathematical foundations -- differential geometry -- for physicists and engineers, and it shows how concepts from general relativity become practically useful in electrical and optical engineering, not only for invisibility but also for perfect imaging and other fascinating topics. More than one hundred full-color illustrations and exercises with solutions complement the text.
Geometry and Physics of Branes
by Ugo BruzzoBranes are solitonic configurations of a string theory that are represented by extended objects in a higher-dimensional space-time. They are essential for a comprehension of the non-perturbative aspects of string theory, in particular, in connection with string dualities. From the mathematical viewpoint, branes are related to several important theo
Geometry and Topology of Low Dimensional Systems: Chern-Simons Theory with Applications (Lecture Notes in Physics #1027)
by T. R. Govindarajan Pichai RamadeviThis book introduces the field of topology, a branch of mathematics that explores the properties of geometric space, with a focus on low-dimensional systems. The authors discuss applications in various areas of physics. The first chapters of the book cover the formal aspects of topology, including classes, homotopic groups, metric spaces, and Riemannian and pseudo-Riemannian geometry. These topics are essential for understanding the theoretical concepts and notations used in the next chapters of the book. The applications encompass defects in crystalline structures, space topology, spin statistics, Braid group, Chern-Simons field theory, and 3D gravity, among others. This self-contained book provides all the necessary additional material for both physics and mathematics students. The presentation is enriched with examples and exercises, making it accessible for readers to grasp the concepts with ease. The authors adopt a pedagogical approach, posing many unsolved questions in simple situations that can serve as challenging projects for students. Suitable for a one-semester postgraduate level course, this text is ideal for teaching purposes.
Geometry, Lie Theory and Applications: The Abel Symposium 2019 (Abel Symposia #16)
by Sigbjørn Hervik Boris Kruglikov Irina Markina Dennis TheThis book consists of contributions from the participants of the Abel Symposium 2019 held in Ålesund, Norway. It was centered about applications of the ideas of symmetry and invariance, including equivalence and deformation theory of geometric structures, classification of differential invariants and invariant differential operators, integrability analysis of equations of mathematical physics, progress in parabolic geometry and mathematical aspects of general relativity.The chapters are written by leading international researchers, and consist of both survey and research articles. The book gives the reader an insight into the current research in differential geometry and Lie theory, as well as applications of these topics, in particular to general relativity and string theory.
Geometry, Mechanics, and Control in Action for the Falling Cat (Lecture Notes in Mathematics #2289)
by Toshihiro IwaiThe falling cat is an interesting theme to pursue, in which geometry, mechanics, and control are in action together. As is well known, cats can almost always land on their feet when tossed into the air in an upside-down attitude. If cats are not given a non-vanishing angular momentum at an initial instant, they cannot rotate during their motion, and the motion they can make in the air is vibration only. However, cats accomplish a half turn without rotation when landing on their feet. In order to solve this apparent mystery, one needs to thoroughly understand rotations and vibrations. The connection theory in differential geometry can provide rigorous definitions of rotation and vibration for many-body systems. Deformable bodies of cats are not easy to treat mechanically. A feasible way to approach the question of the falling cat is to start with many-body systems and then proceed to rigid bodies and, further, to jointed rigid bodies, which can approximate the body of a cat. In this book, the connection theory is applied first to a many-body system to show that vibrational motions of the many-body system can result in rotations without performing rotational motions and then to the cat model consisting of jointed rigid bodies. On the basis of this geometric setting, mechanics of many-body systems and of jointed rigid bodies must be set up. In order to take into account the fact that cats can deform their bodies, three torque inputs which may give a twist to the cat model are applied as control inputs under the condition of the vanishing angular momentum. Then, a control is designed according to the port-controlled Hamiltonian method for the model cat to perform a half turn and to halt the motion upon landing. The book also gives a brief review of control systems through simple examples to explain the role of control inputs.
Geometry, Mechanics, and Dynamics
by Dong Eui Chang Darryl D. Holm George Patrick Tudor RatiuThis book illustrates the broad range of Jerry Marsden's mathematical legacy in areas of geometry, mechanics, and dynamics, from very pure mathematics to very applied, but always with a geometric perspective. Each contribution develops its material from the viewpoint of geometric mechanics beginning at the very foundations, introducing readers to modern issues via illustrations in a wide range of topics. The twenty refereed papers contained in this volume are based on lectures and research performed during the month of July 2012 at the Fields Institute for Research in Mathematical Sciences, in a program in honor of Marsden's legacy. The unified treatment of the wide breadth of topics treated in this book will be of interest to both experts and novices in geometric mechanics. Experts will recognize applications of their own familiar concepts and methods in a wide variety of fields, some of which they may never have approached from a geometric viewpoint. Novices may choose topics that interest them among the various fields and learn about geometric approaches and perspectives toward those topics that will be new for them as well.
The Geometry of Celestial Mechanics
by Hansjörg GeigesCelestial mechanics is the branch of mathematical astronomy devoted to studying the motions of celestial bodies subject to the Newtonian law of gravitation. This mathematical introductory textbook reveals that even the most basic question in celestial mechanics, the Kepler problem, leads to a cornucopia of geometric concepts: conformal and projective transformations, spherical and hyperbolic geometry, notions of curvature, and the topology of geodesic flows. For advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate students, this book explores the geometric concepts underlying celestial mechanics and is an ideal companion for introductory courses. The focus on the history of geometric ideas makes it perfect supplementary reading for students in elementary geometry and topology. Numerous exercises, historical notes and an extensive bibliography provide all the contextual information required to gain a solid grounding in celestial mechanics.
Geometry of Crystals, Polycrystals, and Phase Transformations
by Harshad K. Bhadeshia<p>Organized into a two-part structure aimed at readers of differing experience levels, Geometry of Crystals, Polycrystals, and Phase Transformations is accessible to both newcomers and advanced researchers within the field of crystallography. The first part of the text covers what any reader in the material sciences, physics, chemistry, earth sciences and natural sciences in general should know about crystallography. It is intentionally concise and covers sufficient material to form a firm foundation. <p>The second part is aimed at researchers and discusses phase transformations, deformations, and interface crystallography in depth. The phase transformations are limited to those dominated by crystallography. The entire book contains worked examples and uniquely deals not just with crystals but aggregates of crystals and solid-state transformations between crystals.</p>
The Geometry of Kerr Black Holes (Dover Books on Physics)
by Barrett O'NeillThis unique monograph by a noted UCLA professor examines in detail the mathematics of Kerr black holes, which possess the properties of mass and angular momentum but carry no electrical charge. Suitable for advanced undergraduates and graduate students of mathematics, physics, and astronomy as well as professional physicists, the self-contained treatment constitutes an introduction to modern techniques in differential geometry. The text begins with a substantial chapter offering background on the mathematics needed for the rest of the book. Subsequent chapters emphasize physical interpretations of geometric properties such as curvature, geodesics, isometries, totally geodesic submanifolds, and topological structure. Further investigations cover relativistic concepts such as causality, Petrov type, optical scalars, and the Goldberg-Sachs theorem. Four helpful appendixes supplement the text.
The Geometry of Meaning
by Peter GärdenforsIn The Geometry of Meaning, Peter Gärdenfors proposes a theory of semantics that bridges cognitive science and linguistics and shows how theories of cognitive processes, in particular concept formation, can be exploited in a general semantic model. He argues that our minds organize the information involved in communicative acts in a format that can be modeled in geometric or topological terms -- in what he terms conceptual spaces, extending the theory he presented in an earlier book by that name. Many semantic theories consider the meanings of words as relatively stable and independent of the communicative context. Gärdenfors focuses instead on how various forms of communication establish a system of meanings that becomes shared between interlocutors. He argues that these "meetings of mind" depend on the underlying geometric structures, and that these structures facilitate language learning. Turning to lexical semantics, Gärdenfors argues that a unified theory of word meaning can be developed by using conceptual spaces. He shows that the meaning of different word classes can be given a cognitive grounding, and offers semantic analyses of nouns, adjectives, verbs, and prepositions. He also presents models of how the meanings of words are composed to form new meanings and of the basic semantic role of sentences. Finally, he considers the future implications of his theory for robot semantics and the Semantic Web.
The Geometry of Meaning: Semantics Based on Conceptual Spaces
by Peter GardenforsA novel cognitive theory of semantics that proposes that the meanings of words can be described in terms of geometric structures. In The Geometry of Meaning, Peter Gärdenfors proposes a theory of semantics that bridges cognitive science and linguistics and shows how theories of cognitive processes, in particular concept formation, can be exploited in a general semantic model. He argues that our minds organize the information involved in communicative acts in a format that can be modeled in geometric or topological terms—in what he terms conceptual spaces, extending the theory he presented in an earlier book by that name. Many semantic theories consider the meanings of words as relatively stable and independent of the communicative context. Gärdenfors focuses instead on how various forms of communication establish a system of meanings that becomes shared between interlocutors. He argues that these “meetings of mind” depend on the underlying geometric structures, and that these structures facilitate language learning. Turning to lexical semantics, Gärdenfors argues that a unified theory of word meaning can be developed by using conceptual spaces. He shows that the meaning of different word classes can be given a cognitive grounding, and offers semantic analyses of nouns, adjectives, verbs, and prepositions. He also presents models of how the meanings of words are composed to form new meanings and of the basic semantic role of sentences. Finally, he considers the future implications of his theory for robot semantics and the Semantic Web.
Geometry of Minkowski Space-Time
by Paolo Zampetti Vincenzo Catoni Roberto Cannata Francesco Catoni Dino BoccalettiThis book provides an original introduction to the geometry of Minkowski space-time. A hundred years after the space-time formulation of special relativity by Hermann Minkowski, it is shown that the kinematical consequences of special relativity are merely a manifestation of space-time geometry. The book is written with the intention of providing students (and teachers) of the first years of University courses with a tool which is easy to be applied and allows the solution of any problem of relativistic kinematics at the same time. The book treats in a rigorous way, but using a non-sophisticated mathematics, the Kinematics of Special Relativity. As an example, the famous "Twin Paradox" is completely solved for all kinds of motions. The novelty of the presentation in this book consists in the extensive use of hyperbolic numbers, the simplest extension of complex numbers, for a complete formalization of the kinematics in the Minkowski space-time. Moreover, from this formalization the understanding of gravity comes as a manifestation of curvature of space-time, suggesting new research fields.
The Geometry of Musical Rhythm: What Makes a "Good" Rhythm Good?, Second Edition
by Godfried T. ToussaintThe original edition of The Geometry of Musical Rhythm was the first book to provide a systematic and accessible computational geometric analysis of the musical rhythms of the world. It explained how the study of the mathematical properties of musical rhythm generates common mathematical problems that arise in a variety of seemingly disparate fields. The book also introduced the distance approach to phylogenetic analysis and illustrated its application to the study of musical rhythm. The new edition retains all of this, while also adding 100 pages, 93 figures, 225 new references, and six new chapters covering topics such as meter and metric complexity, rhythmic grouping, expressive timbre and timing in rhythmic performance, and evolution phylogenetic analysis of ancient Greek paeonic rhythms. In addition, further context is provided to give the reader a fuller and richer insight into the historical connections between music and mathematics.
Geometry of Quantum States: An Introduction to Quantum Entanglement
by Ingemar Bengtsson Karol ŻyczkowskiQuantum information theory is a branch of science at the frontier of physics, mathematics, and information science, and offers a variety of solutions that are impossible using classical theory. This book provides a detailed introduction to the key concepts used in processing quantum information and reveals that quantum mechanics is a generalisation of classical probability theory. The second edition contains new sections and entirely new chapters: the hot topic of multipartite entanglement; in-depth discussion of the discrete structures in finite dimensional Hilbert space, including unitary operator bases, mutually unbiased bases, symmetric informationally complete generalized measurements, discrete Wigner function, and unitary designs; the Gleason and Kochen-Specker theorems; the proof of the Lieb conjecture; the measure concentration phenomenon; and the Hastings' non-additivity theorem. This richly-illustrated book will be useful to a broad audience of graduates and researchers interested in quantum information theory. Exercises follow each chapter, with hints and answers supplied.
The Geometry of Spacetime: A Mathematical Introduction to Relativity Theory (Graduate Texts in Physics)
by Rainer OloffThis book systematically develops the mathematical foundations of the theory of relativity and links them to physical relations. For this purpose, differential geometry on manifolds is introduced first, including differentiation and integration, and special relativity is presented as tensor calculus on tangential spaces. Using Einstein's field equations relating curvature to matter, the relativistic effects in the solar system including black holes are discussed in detail. The text is aimed at students of physics and mathematics and assumes only basic knowledge of classical differential and integral calculus and linear algebra.
The Geometry of Special Relativity - a Concise Course
by Norbert DragonIn this concise primer it is shown that, with simple diagrams, the phenomena of time dilatation, length contraction and Lorentz transformations can be deduced from the fact that in a vacuum one cannot distinguish physically straight and uniform motion from rest, and that the speed of light does not depend on the speed of either the source or the observer. The text proceeds to derive the important results of relativistic physics and to resolve its apparent paradoxes. A short introduction into the covariant formulation of electrodynamics is also given. This publication addresses, in particular, students of physics and mathematics in their final undergraduate year.
Geometry of Surfaces: A Practical Guide for Mechanical Engineers
by Stephen P. RadzevichThis updated and expanded edition presents a highly accurate specification for part surface machining. Precise specification reduces the cost of this widely used industrial operation as accurately specified and machined part surfaces do not need to undergo costly final finishing. Dr. Radzevich describes techniques in this volume based primarily on classical differential geometry of surfaces. He then transitions from differential geometry of surfaces to engineering geometry of surfaces, and examines how part surfaces are either machined themselves, or are produced by tools with surfaces that are precisely machined. The book goes on to explain specific methods, such as derivation of planar characteristic curves based on Plücker conoid constructed at a point of the part surface, and that analytical description of part surface is vital for surfaces machined using CNC technology, and especially so for multi-axes NC machines. Providing readers with a powerful tool for analytical description of part surfaces machined on conventional machine tools and numerically controlled machines, this book maximizes understanding on optimal treatment of part surfaces to meet the requirements of today’s high tech industry.
Geometry, Relativity and the Fourth Dimension
by Rudolf RuckerThis is a highly readable, popular exposition of the fourth dimension and the structure of the universe. A remarkable pictorial discussion of the curved space-time we call home, it achieves even greater impact through the use of 141 excellent illustrations. This is the first sustained visual account of many important topics in relativity theory that up till now have only been treated separately.Finding a perfect analogy in the situation of the geometrical characters in Flatland, Professor Rucker continues the adventures of the two-dimensional world visited by a three-dimensional being to explain our three-dimensional world in terms of the fourth dimension. Following this adventure into the fourth dimension, the author discusses non-Euclidean geometry, curved space, time as a higher dimension, special relativity, time travel, and the shape of space-time. The mathematics is sound throughout, but the casual reader may skip those few sections that seem too purely mathematical and still follow the line of argument. Readable and interesting in itself, the annotated bibliography is a valuable guide to further study.Professor Rucker teaches mathematics at the State University of New York in Geneseo. Students and laymen will find his discussion to be unusually stimulating. Experienced mathematicians and physicists will find a great deal of original material here and many unexpected novelties. Annotated bibliography. 44 problems.
Geometry, Symmetries, and Classical Physics: A Mosaic
by Manousos MarkoutsakisThis book provides advanced undergraduate physics and mathematics students with an accessible yet detailed understanding of the fundamentals of differential geometry and symmetries in classical physics. Readers, working through the book, will obtain a thorough understanding of symmetry principles and their application in mechanics, field theory, and general relativity, and in addition acquire the necessary calculational skills to tackle more sophisticated questions in theoretical physics. Most of the topics covered in this book have previously only been scattered across many different sources of literature, therefore this is the first book to coherently present this treatment of topics in one comprehensive volume. Key features: Contains a modern, streamlined presentation of classical topics, which are normally taught separately Includes several advanced topics, such as the Belinfante energy-momentum tensor, the Weyl-Schouten theorem, the derivation of Noether currents for diffeomorphisms, and the definition of conserved integrals in general relativity Focuses on the clear presentation of the mathematical notions and calculational technique
Geometry, Topology and Physics
by Mikio NakaharaDifferential geometry and topology have become essential tools for many theoretical physicists. In particular, they are indispensable in theoretical studies of condensed matter physics, gravity, and particle physics. Geometry, Topology and Physics, Second Edition introduces the ideas and techniques of differential geometry and topology at a level suitable for postgraduate students and researchers in these fields.The second edition of this popular and established text incorporates a number of changes designed to meet the needs of the reader and reflect the development of the subject. The book features a considerably expanded first chapter, reviewing aspects of path integral quantization and gauge theories. Chapter 2 introduces the mathematical concepts of maps, vector spaces, and topology. The following chapters focus on more elaborate concepts in geometry and topology and discuss the application of these concepts to liquid crystals, superfluid helium, general relativity, and bosonic string theory. Later chapters unify geometry and topology, exploring fiber bundles, characteristic classes, and index theorems. New to this second edition is the proof of the index theorem in terms of supersymmetric quantum mechanics. The final two chapters are devoted to the most fascinating applications of geometry and topology in contemporary physics, namely the study of anomalies in gauge field theories and the analysis of Polakov's bosonic string theory from the geometrical point of view.Geometry, Topology and Physics, Second Edition is an ideal introduction to differential geometry and topology for postgraduate students and researchers in theoretical and mathematical physics.
Geomicrobiology: Molecular and Environmental Perspective
by Alexander Loy Larry L. Barton Martin MandlThis book is an interdisciplinary review of recent developments in topics including origin of life, microbial-mineral interactions, and microbial processes functioning in marine and terrestrial environments. A major component of this book addresses molecular techniques to evaluate microbial evolution and assess relationships of microbes in complex, natural communities. The function of microbial community members and their possible geological impact are evaluated from a perspective of (meta)genomics, (meta)proteomics, and isotope labeling. As well as summarizing current knowledge in various areas, it also reveals unresolved questions that require future investigations. These chapters enhance our fundamental knowledge of geomicrobiology that contributes to the exploitation of microbial functions in mineral and environmental biotechnology applications. Authors have provided skillful reviews and outlined unique perspectives on environmental microorganisms and their related processes.
Geomicrobiology and Biogeochemistry
by Nagina Parmar Ajay SinghOver the past 4 billion years, microorganisms have contributed to shaping the earth and making it more habitable for higher forms of life. They are remarkable in their metabolic diversity and their ability to harvest energy from oxidation and reduction reactions. Research on these microbiological processes has led to the newly evolving fields of geomicrobiology and biogeochemistry, linking the geosphere and the biosphere. This volume of the Soil Biology series provides an overview of the biogeochemical processes and the microorganisms involved, with an emphasis on the industrial applications. Topics treated include aspects such as bioremediation of contaminated environments, biomining, biotechnological applications of extremophiles, subsurface petroleum microbiology, enhanced oil recovery using microbes and their products, metal extraction from soil, soil elemental cycling and plant nutrition.
Geomicrobiology: Natural and Anthropogenic Settings
by Larry L. Barton Lucian C. StaicuThis volume brings together leading international experts to offer a unique and timely perspective on geomicrobiology through their latest research and findings. Chapters address interactions of marine and freshwater microorganisms contributing to geochemical cycles, including biochemical mechanisms for mineralization and transformation of solid minerals and dissolved metals. In addition, the resilience and physiological elasticity of specific bacteria in extreme environments is discussed, such as mechanisms of metal homeostasis and electrochemistry involving extracellular electron flow. Further coverage includes resource recovery (metals, minerals) using microbial-driven processes and technologies, with the aim to contribute to a better understanding of microbial potential within the framework of circular economy. This book is designed for professionals and students, including environmental engineers, microbiologists, and individuals studying the interaction of bacteria with metals and minerals in the environment. It is also a resource for students in academic programs or short courses focused on bacterial diversity in the environment, systems of bacterial energetics, resource recovery, and bacterial activities in extreme or nutrient-stressed environments. .
GeomInt—Discontinuities in Geosystems From Lab to Field Scale (SpringerBriefs in Earth System Sciences)
by Olaf Kolditz Keita Yoshioka Tuanny Cajuhi Ralf-Michael Günther Holger Steeb Frank Wuttke Thomas NagelThis is an open access book. In view of growing conflicts over strategic georesources, the use of the geological subsurface in the sense of a regional resource is becoming increasingly important. In this context, georeservoirs are playing an important role for the energy transition not only as a source of energy but also as a storage facility and deep geological disposal for energy waste. The success of the energy transition also depends to a large extent on the efficient and safe use of underground resources.This book complements the previous basic book (GeomInt—Integrity of Host Rocks) with a series of application examples in different rock formations, clay, salt, and crystalline. The methodology developed in GeomInt is used, among others, in the Mont Terri underground research laboratory (Opalinus Clay), in the large borehole test in Springen (salt rock) and in the “Reiche Zeche” teaching and research mine (crystalline rock). In addition, new methodological developments are also taken up in experiments and models and embedded in workflows for geotechnical system analyses. The present book summarizes the results of the collaborative project “GeomInt2: Geomechanical integrity of host and barrier rocks - experiment, modeling and analysis of discontinuities” within the program: Geo Research for Sustainability (GEO: N) of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).
Geomorphology
by Robert S. Anderson Suzanne P. AndersonThis textbook provides a modern, quantitative and process-oriented approach to equip students with the tools to understand geomorphology. Insight into the interpretation of landscapes is developed from basic principles and simple models, and by stepping through the equations that capture the essence of the mechanics and chemistry of landscapes. Boxed worked examples and real-world applications bring the subject to life for students, allowing them to apply the theory to their own experience. The book covers cutting edge topics, including the revolutionary cosmogenic nuclide dating methods and modeling, highlights links to other Earth sciences through up-to-date summaries of current research, and illustrates the importance of geomorphology in understanding environmental changes. Setting up problems as a conservation of mass, ice, soil, or heat, this book arms students with tools to fully explore processes, understand landscapes, and to participate in this rapidly evolving field.