Symmetries in physics. Group theory applied to physical problems (Q1188491)

This book covers the whole width of symmetries in physics: from finite translation groups in lattices to Lie groups in elementary particle physics. The basic definitions and concepts of group theory (representations, characters, projection operators) are introduced for discrete groups from solid state physics. Most theorems and results are quoted without proofs and illustrated with examples. The main emphasis is put on applications. Slightly more than one third of the book deals with Lie groups and Lie algebras, especially with SU(n). The applications include the spectra of elementary particles, atoms and molecules, as well as gauge theories and spontaneous symmetry breaking.