Symmetry, group theory, and the physical properties of crystals. (Q992766)

The book consists of eight chapters. Chapter 1 is devoted to the crystal structure and symmetries of crystal lattices. In Chapter 2, basic concepts of group theory and group representation theory are explained. Tensor properties of crystals, such as the pyroelectric effect, piezoelectric effect, thermal conductivity, and more, are described in detail in Chapter 3. In Chapter 4, symmetry properties of doped solids are described. Chapter 5 includes a description of the influence of the symmetry upon the optical properties of crystals, such as birefringence, electro-optical effect, and more. Nonlinear optical properties of crystals of various symmetries are described in Chapter 6. Chapter 7 is devoted to connections between crystal symmetry and lattice vibrations, Raman scattering, and Jahn-Teller effect. Finally, the connection between crystal symmetry and electron energy levels and bands is described in Chapter 8.