From Microphysics to Macrophysics : Methods and Applications of Statistical Physics

Although it has changed considerably in both coverage and length, this book originated from lecture courses at the Ecole Polytechnique. It is useful to re­ mind non-Prench readers of the special place this institution occupies in our education system, as it has few features in common with institutes with a similar name in other parts of the world. In fact, its programme corresponds to the intermediate years at a university, while the level of the students is particularly high owing to their strict selection through entrance examina­ tions. The courses put a stress on giving foundations with a balance between the various natural and mathematical sciences, without neglecting general cultural aspects; specialization and technological instruction follow after the students have left the Ecole. The students form a very mixed population, not yet having made their choice of career. Many of them become high-level engineers, covering all branches of industry, some devote themselves to pure or applied research, others become managers or civil servants, and one can find former students of the Ecole amongst generals, the clergy, teachers, and even artists and Presidents of Prance. Several features of the present volume, and in particular its contents, correspond to this variety and to the needs of such an audience. Statistical physics, in the broadest meaning of the term, with its many related disci­ plines, is an essential element of modern scientific culture.

This text not only provides a thorough introduction to statistical physics and thermodynamics but also exhibits the universality of the chain of ideas that leads from the laws of microphysics to the macroscopic behaviour of matter. A wide range of applications teaches students how to make use of the concepts, and many exercises will help to deepen their understanding. Drawing on both quantum mechanics and classical physics, the book follows modern research in statistical physics.

Volume I discusses in detail the probabilistic description of quantum or classical systems, the Boltzmann-Gibbs distributions, the conservation laws, and the interpretation of entropy as missing information. Thermodynamics and electromagnetism in matter are dealt with, as well as applications to gases, both dilute and condensed, and to phase transitions.

Volume II applies statistical methods to systems governed by quantum effects, in particular to solid state physics, explaining properties due to the crystal structure or to the lattice excitations or to the electrons. Liquid helium is discussed and radiative equilibrium and transport are studied. The last chapters are devoted to non-equilibrium processes and to kinetic equations, with many applications included.

This softcover edition accommodates the many requests to make this widely used and often cited classical text available again.