Statistical Physics

Statistical Physics bridges the properties of a macroscopic system and the microscopic behavior of its constituting particles, otherwise impossible due to the giant magnitude of Avogadro's number. Numerous systems of today's key technologies - such as semiconductors or lasers - are macroscopic quantum objects; only statistical physics allows for understanding their fundamentals. Therefore, this graduate text also focuses on particular applications such as the properties of electrons in solids with applications, and radiation thermodynamics and the greenhouse effect.

Claudine Hermann received her education at the Ecole Normale Supérieure de Jeunes Filles, and is vice-director of the Physics of Condensed Matter Laboratory of the Ecole Polytechnique, where she is also professor at the physics department. She conducts research in solid-state physics, optical pumping in semiconductors, photoemission of polarized electrons, and near-field optics.