Crystallography and the World of Symmetry

This enlightening and interesting book provides a broad discussion of the role of symmetry in physical systems. It brings physics and geometry together and explains the basics of periodic and aperiodic structures.

Symmetry exists in realms from crystals to patterns, in external shapes of living or non-living objects, as well as in the fundamental particles and the physical laws that govern them. In fact, the search for this symmetry is the driving force for the discovery of many fundamental particles and the formulation of many physical laws. While one can not imagine a world which is absolutely symmetrical nor can one a world which is absolutely asymmetrical. These two aspects of nature are intermingled with each other inseparably. This is the basis of the existence of aperiodicity manifested in the liquid crystals and also quasi-crystals also discussed in Crystallography and the World of Symmetry.

Broad discussion of the role of symmetry in physical systems Explains the basics of periodic and aperiodic structures Brings physics and geometry together Both an enlightening reference work for researchers and an interesting study text for graduate students

Contenu
Pattern.- Lattices.- Symmetry in Lattices.- Crystal Symmetry (Crystal Pattern): I.- Crystal Symmetry (Crystal Pattern): II.- Crystals and X-Ray.- Experimental Methods for Structure Analysis: X-Ray Diffraction Techniques.- Determination of Space Group and Crystal Structure.- The World of Symmetry.- Asymmetry in Otherwise Symmetrical Matter.