Group Theoretical Methods and Applications to Molecules and Crystals

Description

This book explains the basic aspects of symmetry groups as applied to problems in physics and chemistry using an approach pioneered and developed by the author. The symmetry groups and their representations are worked out explicitly, eliminating the undue abstract nature of group theoretical methods. The author has systemized the wealth of knowledge on symmetry groups that has accumulated in the century since Fedrov discovered the 230 space groups. All space groups, unitary as well as antiunitary, are reconstructed based on the algebraic defining relations of the point groups. This work will be of great interest to graduate students and professionals in solid state physics, chemistry, mathematics, geology and those who are interested in magnetic crystal structures.

'The author's unique approach and methods which are developed in this book to discuss space groups and their matrix representations, try to overcome the abstract nature of the classical group theoretical methods. In this perspective, and as illustrated in this monograph, this work aims to close the gap between the abstract mathematical theory of space groups and its concrete applications in other sciences.' Wim Malfait, Zentralblatt fur Mathematik