
The Renormalization Group and Condensed Matter Physics
Princeton University Press
Published on 15. July 2025
Book
Hardback
328 pages
978-0-691-25790-7 (ISBN)
Description
A graduate-level entree to the application of renormalization group theory to condensed matter physics
Renormalization group ideas have had a major impact on condensed matter physics for more than a half century. This book develops the theory and illustrates the broad applicability of the renormalization group to major problems in condensed matter physics. Based on course materials developed and class-tested by the authors at Harvard University, the book will be especially useful for students, as well as researchers in condensed matter physics, soft matter physics, biophysics, and statistical physics. After reviewing Ising models, lattice gases, and critical point phenomena, the book covers quantum critical phenomena; the statistical mechanics of linear polymer chains; fluctuating sheet polymers; the dynamics associated with the Navier-Stokes equations and simplified models of randomly stirred fluids; the properties of "active matter"; and more.
Explores the broad applicability of renormalization groups to condensed matter
Covers critical phenomena in different dimensions, quantum critical points, polymer physics and flexural phonons in free-standing graphene, nonequilibrium fluid dynamics, and more
Provides a modern, physics-centered entree, suitable for both course use and self-study
Features material ideal for graduate-level students as well as researchers
Includes exercises throughout
Offers a solutions manual for exercises (available only to instructors)
Renormalization group ideas have had a major impact on condensed matter physics for more than a half century. This book develops the theory and illustrates the broad applicability of the renormalization group to major problems in condensed matter physics. Based on course materials developed and class-tested by the authors at Harvard University, the book will be especially useful for students, as well as researchers in condensed matter physics, soft matter physics, biophysics, and statistical physics. After reviewing Ising models, lattice gases, and critical point phenomena, the book covers quantum critical phenomena; the statistical mechanics of linear polymer chains; fluctuating sheet polymers; the dynamics associated with the Navier-Stokes equations and simplified models of randomly stirred fluids; the properties of "active matter"; and more.
Explores the broad applicability of renormalization groups to condensed matter
Covers critical phenomena in different dimensions, quantum critical points, polymer physics and flexural phonons in free-standing graphene, nonequilibrium fluid dynamics, and more
Provides a modern, physics-centered entree, suitable for both course use and self-study
Features material ideal for graduate-level students as well as researchers
Includes exercises throughout
Offers a solutions manual for exercises (available only to instructors)
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New Jersey
United States
Target group
College/higher education
Product notice
Trade binding
Illustrations
102 color illus. 6 tables.
Dimensions
Height: 256 mm
Width: 206 mm
Thickness: 28 mm
Weight
1050 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-691-25790-7 (9780691257907)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

David R. Nelson | Grace H. Zhang
The Renormalization Group and Condensed Matter Physics
E-Book
05/2025
Princeton University Press
€83.49
Available for download
Persons
David R. Nelson is professor of physics and applied physics and the Arthur K. Solomon Professor of Biophysics at Harvard University. Grace H. Zhang obtained her PhD in theoretical condensed matter physics from Harvard University.