Introduction to order parameter fields

[homology]

Hi folks,

I'm taking a class in statistical mechanics out of Sethna's text. Part of the course involves student presentations. I've settled on his chapter on order parameters, broken symmetry and topology. Its a relatively short chapter and I'd like to read some more.

I'm looking for some more to read about order parameter fields at an introductory grad level and how calculations using homotopy can be used to classify defects.

Thanks in advance for any recommendations.

 

[fzero]

There are sections on defects in nematic liquid crystals and textures in superfluid He-3 in Nakahara, Geometry, Topology, and Physics. I'm sure many more topics are covered in Fradkin's Field Theories of Condensed Matter Physics, but that might be a bit tougher to dive into if you don't have some field theory background.

 

[homology]

I have 'toyed' a bit with field theory so am familiar with some of the ideas, though I haven't done many calculations. I'll check out the books, thank you.

 

[element4]

I think that the references fzero suggest are very good, but might not be excactly what you are looking for. Nakahara covers too much geometry/topology beyond what you need and might be hard to grasp anything useful in short time. Fradkin is more concerned with strongly correlated electron systems, while topological defects play a role in some parts, he dosn't cover what you want systematically. But both books are highly recommendable thou!

For (homotopy) classification of topological defects in order parameters, Mirmins review is a classic and highly praised among physicists! Click http://rmp.aps.org/abstract/RMP/v51/i3/p591_1" .

 

[homology]

Holy cow yes...I just grabbed it thanks! This looks good.