Group Theory for Physicists With Applications

Group theory helps readers in understanding the energy spectrum and the degeneracy of systems possessing discrete symmetry and continuous symmetry. The fundamental concepts of group theory and its applications are presented with the help of solved problems and exercises. The text covers two essential aspects of group theory, namely discrete groups and Lie groups. Important concepts including permutation groups, point groups and irreducible representation related to discrete groups are discussed with the aid of solved problems. Topics such as the matrix exponential, the circle group, tensor products, angular momentum algebra and the Lorentz group are explained to help readers in understanding the quark model and theory composites. Real-life applications including molecular vibration, level splitting perturbation, crystal field splitting and the orthogonal group are also covered. Application-oriented solved problems and exercises are interspersed throughout the text to reinforce understanding of the key concepts.

Preface; Acknowledgement; Dedication; 1. Introduction; 2. Molecular symmetry; 3. Representations of finite groups; 4. Elementary applications; 5. Lie groups and lie algebras; 6. Further applications; Reference; Index.

Pichai Ramadevi is Professor in the Department of Physics at the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay. She received her Ph.D. from Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai. Her research interests include string theory, knot theory and supersymmetry. She has been working on Chern-Simons field theory as a theory of knots and links and their relations to topological string theory. She has published more than fifty papers in journals of national and international repute. She has taught courses including general theory of relativity, group theory methods, particle physics, quantum mechanics and quantum physics and applications at undergraduate and graduate level.
Varun Dubey works at International Center for Theoretical Sciences, Bangalore. His current research interest is in the field of Geometric Quantization and its application to quantum field theories. He has eight years of experience in teaching and mentoring undergraduate students for several competitive examinations including Joint Entrance Examination (for admission in premier institutes such as IITs, NITs and IITs), Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) and Indian Engineering Services (IES).