These Proceedings cover various topics in modern physics in which group theoretical methods can be applied effectively. The two volumes, containing over 100 papers, cover such areas as representation theory, the theory and applications of dynamical symmetries and coherent states, symmetries in atomic, molecular, nuclear and elementary particle physics, field theory including gauge theories, supersymmetry and supergravity, general relativity and cosmology, the theory of space groups and its applications to solid state physics and phase transitions, the problems of quantum and classical mechanics and paraxial optics, and the theory of nonlinear equations and solitons.

Group Theoretical Methods in Physics: Proceedings of the Fifth International Colloquium provides information pertinent to the fundamental aspects of group theoretical methods in physics. This book provides a variety of topics, including nuclear collective motion, complex Riemannian geometry, quantum mechanics, and relativistic symmetry. Organized into six parts encompassing 64 chapters, this book begins with an overview of the theories of nuclear quadrupole dynamics. This text then examines the conventional approach in the determination of superstructures. Other chapters consider the Hamiltonian formalism and how it is applied to the KdV equation and to a slight variant of the KdV equation. This book discusses as well the significant differential equations of mathematical physics that are integrable Hamiltonian systems, including the equations governing self-induced transparency and the motion of particles under an inverse square potential. The final chapter deals with the decomposition of the tensor product of two irreducible representations of the symmetric group into a direct sum of irreducible representations. This book is a valuable resource for physicists.

Symmetry is permeating our understanding of nature: Group theoretical methods of intrinsic interest to mathematics have expanded their applications from physics to chemistry and biology. The ICGTMP Colloquia maintain the communication among the many branches into which this endeavor has bloomed. Lie group and representation theory, special functions, foundations of quantum mechanics, and elementary particle, nuclear, atomic, and molecular physics are among the traditional subjects. More recent areas include supersymmetry, superstrings and quantum gravity, integrability, nonlinear systems and quantum chaos, semigroups, time asymmetry and resonances, condensed matter, and statistical physics. Topics such as linear and nonlinear optics, quantum computing, discrete systems, and signal analysis have only in the last few years become part of the group theorists' turf. In Group Theoretical Methods in Physics, readers will find both review contributions that distill the state of the art in a broad field, and articles pointed to specific problems, in many cases, preceding their formal publication in the journal literature.

An introductory text book for graduates and advanced undergraduates on group representation theory. It emphasizes group theory's role as the mathematical framework for describing symmetry properties of classical and quantum mechanical systems. Familiarity with basic group concepts and techniques is invaluable in the education of a modern-day physicist. This book emphasizes general features and methods which demonstrate the power of the group-theoretical approach in exposing the systematics of physical systems with associated symmetry. Particular attention is given to pedagogy. In developing the theory, clarity in presenting the main ideas and consequences is given the same priority as comprehensiveness and strict rigor. To preserve the integrity of the mathematics, enough technical information is included in the appendices to make the book almost self-contained. A set of problems and solutions has been published in a separate booklet.

This text introduces advanced undergraduates and graduate students to key applications of group theory. Topics include the nature of symmetry operations; applications to vibrating systems, continuum mechanics, and quantum structures; permutation, continuous, and rotation groups; and physical Lie algebras. Each chapter concludes with a concise review, discussion questions, problems, and references. 1992 edition.