Mathematical Methods in Physics

Paper Code: 
PHY 122
Credits: 
4
Contact Hours: 
60.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

The student will learn significance of point groups and space groups and their relevance in the study of condensed matter Physics, in particular Crystal Physics.

Unit I: 

Coordinate transformation in N-dimensional space: Contravariant and covariant tensor, Jacobian ,  pseudo tensors , Algebra of tensors, Metric tensors, Associated tensors,  Christoffel symbols, transformation of Christoffel symbols.

Unit II: 

Equation of Geodesic, Covariant differentiation, Ricci's theorem, Divergence, Curl and Laplacian in tensor form, Stress and Strain tensors, Hooke's law in tensor form, Lorentz Covariance of Maxwell equation.

Unit III: 

Group of transformations, (Example: symmetry transformations of a square), Generators of a finite group, Normal subgroup, Direct product of groups, Isomorphism and Homomorphism, Representation theory of finite groups, Invariant subspace and reducible representations, irreducible representations, Crystallo-graphic point groups, Irreducible representation of  C4ν, Translation group and the reciprocal lattice.

Unit IV: 

Fourier Transforms: Development of the Fourier integral from the Fourier series, Fourier and inverse Fourier transform, Fourier transform of Derivatives, Solution of wave equation as an application, Convolution theorem, intensity in terms of spectral density for quasi-monochromatic EM waves, momentum representation, Application of Fourier Transform to Diffraction Theory, Diffraction  pattern of single  and double slits.

Unit V: 

Laplace transforms and their properties, Laplace transform of derivatives and integrals of Laplace transform, Laplace convolution theorem, Impulsive function , Application of Laplace transform in solving linear differential equations with constant coefficient, with variable coefficient and linear partial differential equation.

 

References: 
  1. “Mathematical physics”, Satya Prakash, Pragati Prakashan.
  2. “Mathematical Methods for Physicists”, George Arkfen ,Academic Press.
  3. “Applied Mathematics for Engineers and Physicists”, L. A. Pipe and L.R.  Harvill,   McGraw Hill
  4. “Mathematical Methods”, Potter and Goldberg ,Prentice Hall of India.
  5. “Elements of Group Theory for Physicists: A. W. Joshi (Wiley Eastern Ltd.)
  6. “Vector Analysis”, Schuam Series, Mc Graw Hill.

     

Academic Year: