This detailed monograph treats finite point groups as subgroups of the full rotation group, providing geometrical and topological methods which allow a unique definition of the quaternion parameters for all operations. An important feature is an elementary but comprehensive discussion of projective representations and their application to the spinor representations, which yield great advantages in precision and accuracy over the more classical double group method. A self-contained treatment, with many solved problems to clarify key points, this monograph provides a powerful tool for handling rotations and double groups.

Product Description: Mathematical truths are often so compelling that some mathematicians, scientists, and philosophers posit a purely nonmaterial realm of eternal truths accessible to the mind alone. Mathematical physicist Simon Altmann carefully criticizes this revival of dualistic philosophy ß la Plato in this highly stimulating book...read more (view table of contents, read Amazon.com's description)

The structure of much of solid-state theory comes directly from group theory, but until now there has been no elementary introduction to the band theory of solids using this approach. Employing the most basic of group theoretical ideas, and emphasizing the significance of symmetry in determining many of the essential concepts, this is the only book to provide such an introduction. Many topics were chosen with the needs of chemists in mind, and numerous problems are included to enable the reader to apply the major ideas and to complete some parts of the treatment. Physical scientists will also find this a valuable introduction to the field.