This book introduces aspects of topology and applications to problems in condensed matter physics. Basic topics in mathematics have been introduced in a form accessible to physicists, and the use of topology in quantum, statistical and solid state physics has been developed with an emphasis on pedagogy. The aim is to bridge the language barrier between physics and mathematics, as well as the different specializations in physics. Pitched at the level of a graduate student of physics, this book does not assume any additional knowledge of mathematics or physics. It is therefore suited for advanced postgraduate students as well. A collection of selected problems will help the reader learn the topics on one's own, and the broad range of topics covered will make the text a valuable resource for practising researchers in the field.
The book consists of two parts: one corresponds to developing the necessary mathematics and the other discusses applications to physical problems. The section on mathematics is a quick, but more-or-less complete, review of topology. The focus is on explaining fundamental concepts rather than dwelling on details of proofs while retaining the mathematical flavour. There is an overview chapter at the beginning and a recapitulation chapter on group theory. The physics section starts with an introduction and then goes on to topics in quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics of polymers, knots, and vertex models, solid state physics, exotic excitations such as Dirac quasiparticles, Majorana modes, Abelian and non-Abelian anyons. Quantum spin liquids and quantum information-processing are also covered in some detail.
SOMENDRA M BHATTACHARJEE is a senior professor at the Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar, India. He received his PhD degree from Carnegie Mellon University, U.S.A., in 1984. He is fellow at the Indian Academy of Sciences and Indian National Science Academy, India. His research area is theoretical condensed matter physics, especially statistical physics.
MAHAN MJ is a professor of mathematics at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, India, and a monk of the Ramakrishna Mission. Earlier, he was a professor of mathematics and dean of research at the Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda University until 2015. He joined the PhD program in mathematics at the University of California, U.S.A. He is a recipient of the 2011 Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award in Mathematical Sciences and the Infosys Science Foundation Award 2015 for Mathematical Sciences. He specialises in geometric topology and hyperbolic geometry.
ABHIJIT BANDYOPADHYAY is an associate professor of Physics at Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda University, Belur, Howrah, India. He specialises in high energy physics and cosmology.
