Symmetry 2 aims to present an overview of the contemporary status of symmetry studies, particularly in the arts and sciences, emphasizing both its role and importance. Symmetry is not only one of the fundamental concepts in science, but is also possibly the best unifying concept between various branches of science, the arts and other human activities. Whereas symmetry has been considered important for centuries primarily for its aesthetic appeal, this century has witnessed a dramatic enhancement of its status as a cornerstone in the sciences. In addition to traditionally symmetry-oriented fields such as crystallography and spectroscopy, the concept has made headway in fields as varied as reaction chemistry, nuclear physics, and the study of the origin of the universe. The book was initiated in response to the success of the first volume, which not only received good reviews, but received the award for "The Best Single Issue of a Journal" by the Association of American Publishers for 1986. The second volume extends the application of symmetry to new fields, such as medical sciences and economics, as well as investigating further certain topics introduced in Symmetry. The book is extensively illustrated and with over 64 contributions from 16 countries presents an international overview of the nature and diversity of symmetry studies today.

A beginner's introduction to Optics, Thin Films, Lasers and Crystals. Parts 1-3 cover: absorption, angle of incidence, antireflection, bandgap, birefringence, Bravais, lattice, damage, dielectric, crystallography, grating, diode, electric field, diffraction, oscillator, electro-optic, emission, energy gap, poling, fiber optic, fluorescence, frequency, geometrical optics, glide plane, graded-index, grinding, group velocity, harmonic generation, index, interference, filters, cavity, diodes, pumping, laser, light, melting glass, Miller indices, mode-locking, molding, nonlinear, semiconductor, nucleation, optical cavity, coatings, resonator, phase shift, phase velocity, phonon, photon, p-n junction, point group, polishing, population inversion, Q-switched, saturable absorber, screw axis, semiconductor, solid state, space group, substrate, sum-frequency, tuning, temperature-bandwidth, thin films, transmission, unit cell, unstable resonator, walkoff, wave vector, waveguide, wavelength...and much more. Enjoy

Weak interactions and higher symmetries are nowadays of special importance for elementary particles theory. Lately both theoretical and experimental physicists became more and more interested in the subject. Because of the complicated subject and the scarce available literature proper introductions in the subject are tiresome. The mathematical back ground such as higher Algebra and Grouptheory etc. cannot be applied immediately in all cases. The third Schladming University Courses on the above subject belong to this category. The present first supplement volume of "Acta Physica Austriaca" contains all lectures (with literature references) giving not only a review of the fundamentals but also discussing recent research work. I ,;incerely hope that the pUblication will find interested readers. In the last years it became customary in physics and mathematics to arrange summer schools on subjects which allow the experienced as well as the young scientiflt to get quickly acquainted with special modern fields. Discussions and private contacts make it possible for participants to touch quickly the peripheries of the subject in question, and new research work will be stimulated which otherwise could not be expected. Graz, October, 1964.

This book presents the up-to-date status of quantum theory and the outlook for its development in the 21st century. The covered topics include basic problems of quantum physics, with emphasis on the foundations of quantum theory, quantum computing and control, quantum optics, coherent states and Wigner functions, as well as on methods of quantum physics based on Lie groups and algebras, quantum groups and noncommutative geometry.

"Furnishes a thorough presentation of crystal structure development in metals, ceramics, and polymers commonly used in materials science and engineering. Provides a unique synthesis of bonding, symmetry, and crystallographic concepts. Emphasizes the relationship between developed structures and physical properties."

Wide-band-gap semiconductors have been a research topic for many decades. However, it is only in recent years that the promise for technological applications came to be realized; simultaneously an upsurge of experimental and theoretical activity in the field has been witnessed. Semiconductors with wide band gaps exhibit unique electronic and optical properties. Their low intrinsic carrier concentrations and high breakdown voltage allow high-temperature and high-power applications (diamond, SiC etc.). The short wavelength of band-to-band transitions allows emission in the green, blue, or even UV region of the spectrum (ZnSe, GaN, etc.). In addition, many of these materials have favorable mechanical and thermal characteristics. These proceedings reflect the exciting progress made in this field. Successful p-type doping of ZnSe has recently led to the fabrication of blue-green injection lasers in ZnSe; applications of short-wavelength light-emitting devices range from color displays to optical storage. In SiC, advances in growth techniques for bulk as well as epitaxial material have made the commercial production of high-temperature and high-frequency devices possible. For GaN, refinement of growth procedures and new ways of obtaining doped material have resulted in blue-light-emitting diodes and opened the road to the development of laser diodes. Finally, while the quality of artificial diamond is not yet high enough for electronic applications, the promise it holds in terms of unique material properties is encouraging intense activity in the field. This volume contains contributions from recognized experts presently working on different material systems in the field. The papers cover the theoretical, experimental and application-oriented aspects of this exciting topic.

Looking beyond the boundaries of various disciplines, the author demonstrates that symmetry is a fascinating phenomenon which provides endless stimulation and challenges. He explains that it is possible to readapt art to the sciences, and vice versa, by means of an evolutionary concept of symmetry. Many pictorial examples are included to enable the reader to fully understand the issues discussed. Based on the artistic evidence that the author has collected, he proposes that the new ars evolutoria can function as an example for the sciences.The book is divided into three distinct parts, each one focusing on a special issue. In Part I, the phenomenon of symmetry, including its discovery and meaning is reviewed. The author looks closely at how Vitruvius, Polyclitus, Democritus, Plato, Aristotle, Plotinus, Augustine, Alberti, Leonardo da Vinci and Durer viewed symmetry. This is followed by an explanation on how the concept of symmetry developed. The author further discusses symmetry as it appears in art and science, as well as in the modern age. Later, he expounds the view of symmetry as an evolutionary concept which can lead to a new unity of science. In Part II, he covers the points of contact between the form-developing process in nature and art. He deals with biological questions, in particular evolution.The collection of new and precise data on perception and knowledge with regard to the postulated reality of symmetry leads to further development of the evolutionary theory of symmetry in Part III. The author traces the enormous treasure of observations made in nature and culture back to a few underlying structural principles. He demonstrates symmetry as a far-reaching, leading, structuring, causal element of evolution, as the idea lying behind nature and culture. Numerous controllable reproducible double-mirror experiments on a new stereoscopic vision verify a symmetrization theory of perception.