Showing papers in "Physics Bulletin in 1983"
TL;DR: Van Kampen as mentioned in this paper provides an extensive graduate-level introduction which is clear, cautious, interesting and readable, and could be expected to become an essential part of the library of every physical scientist concerned with problems involving fluctuations and stochastic processes.
Abstract: N G van Kampen 1981 Amsterdam: North-Holland xiv + 419 pp price Dfl 180 This is a book which, at a lower price, could be expected to become an essential part of the library of every physical scientist concerned with problems involving fluctuations and stochastic processes, as well as those who just enjoy a beautifully written book. It provides an extensive graduate-level introduction which is clear, cautious, interesting and readable.
3,647 citations
TL;DR: Baxter has inherited the mantle of Onsager who started the process by solving exactly the two-dimensional Ising model in 1944 as mentioned in this paper, and there has been a growing belief that all the twodimensional lattice statistical models will eventually be solved and that it will be Professor Baxter who solves them.
Abstract: R J Baxter 1982 London: Academic xii + 486 pp price £43.60 Over the past few years there has been a growing belief that all the twodimensional lattice statistical models will eventually be solved and that it will be Professor Baxter who solves them. Baxter has inherited the mantle of Onsager who started the process by solving exactly the two-dimensional Ising model in 1944.
1,658 citations
TL;DR: Torrence as mentioned in this paper proposed a dynamical theory of the electromagnetic field and identified light as an electromagnetic disturbance in the form of waves propagated through the electromagnetic fields according to electromagnetic laws.
Abstract: T F Torrence (ed) 1982 Edinburgh: Scottish Academic Press xiii + 103 pp price £7.50 In 1865 James Clerk Maxwell published in the Philosophical Transactions a long paper entitled 'A dynamical theory of the electromagnetic field'. In this work, about which he wrote to a relative, 'I have a paper afloat, with an electromagnetic theory of light, which, till I am convinced of the contrary, Ihold to be great guns', he set up the electromagnetic field equations unifying electricity and magnetism, and identified light as 'an electromagnetic disturbance in the form of waves propagated through the electromagnetic field according to electromagnetic laws'.
408 citations
TL;DR: Barnes, Clayton and Schramm as mentioned in this paper reviewed all the many aspects of nuclear astrophysics, from solar system abundances to particle physics in cosmology, as a 70th birthday tribute to Professor Willy Fowler, who is one of the founding fathers of the subject.
Abstract: C A Barnes, D D Clayton and D N Schramm (eds) 1982 Cambridge: Cambridge University Press xiii + 562 pp price £40 This collection of 23 articles reviews all the many aspects of nuclear astrophysics, from solar system abundances to particle physics in cosmology. The collection has been made as a 70th birthday tribute to Professor Willy Fowler, who is one of the founding fathers of the subject.
266 citations
TL;DR: Cairns and Smith as discussed by the authors presented a new point of view to those of us who have previously held to the chemical evolution theory, in which a 'primeval soup' leads to the formation of elementary biochemicals.
Abstract: A G Cairns–Smith 1982 Cambridge: Cambridge University Press ix + 477 pp price £15 Genetic Takeover is about the origins of life on earth. It presents a radical new point of view to those of us who have previously held to the chemical evolution theory, in which a 'primeval soup' leads to the formation of elementary biochemicals (as originally put forward by Urey).
106 citations
TL;DR: Rajaraman as mentioned in this paper provides an excellent introduction to finite energy solutions (one-dimensional solitons, vortices and monopoles) and finite Euclidean action solutions (instantons).
Abstract: R Rajaraman 1982 Amsterdam: North-Holland vii + 409 pp Dfl195 In recent years the roles of nontrivial solutions of Euler-Lagrange equations in statistical mechanics and quantum field theory have been appreciated and several techniques developed to calculate their effects. The early chapters in this book provide an excellent introduction to finite energy solutions (one-dimensional solitons, vortices and monopoles) and to finite Euclidean action solutions (instantons).
98 citations
TL;DR: A S Holevo 1982 Amsterdam: North-Holland as discussed by the authors + 312 pp price Dfl225 This book is an important contribution to the continuing discussion about the mathematical basis of quantum theory and is concerned in particular with the statistical nature of quantum theories and its relation to classical probability theory.
Abstract: A S Holevo 1982 Amsterdam: North-Holland xii + 312 pp price Dfl225 This book is an important contribution to the continuing discussion about the mathematical basis of quantum theory and is concerned in particular with the statistical nature of quantum theory and its relation to classical probability theory. It is a translation from the original version in Russian.
83 citations
TL;DR: Miller et al. as mentioned in this paper developed pulsed electron and ion beams to intensities of millions of amperes at 1-10 x 106 V, with durations of the order of 100 ns.
Abstract: R B Miller 1982 New York: Plenum x + 351 pp price $45 Pulsed electron and ion beams have been developing, mainly in the USA in connection with inertial confinement fusion, to intensities of millions of amperes at 1–10 x 106 V, with durations of the order of 100 ns. The electron beams also find application in z-pinches, as drivers of pulsed gas lasers and as high power sources of coherent radiation (in the form of the relativistic microwave magnetron, the electron cyclotron maser and the free electron laser).
81 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide a fairly concise introduction to the basic mathematical concepts of the general theory of relativity and their applications, at a level suitable for postgraduate students, covering Riemannian geometry and Einstein's theory of gravitation, gravitational waves, the classification of exact solutions of the Einstein equations, black holes and cosmology.
Abstract: Hans Stephani 1982 Cambridge: Cambridge University Press xvi + 298 pp price £25 This textbook provides a fairly concise introduction to the basic mathematical concepts of the general theory of relativity and their applications, at a level suitable for postgraduate students. It covers Riemannian geometry and Einstein's theory of gravitation, gravitational waves, the classification of exact solutions of the Einstein equations, black holes and cosmology.
78 citations
TL;DR: Stebbings and Dunning as discussed by the authors used the term Rydberg states to describe states of particularly high excitation in which the excited electron is so far from the center of the system that the energy is almost independent of the species.
Abstract: R F Stebbings and F B Dunning 1983 Cambridge: Cambridge University Press ix + 515 pp price £40 Rydberg states are those in which an outer electron is excited. While this has been a general usage in molecular spectroscopy for decades, the term has recently been used to describe states of particularly high excitation in which the excited electron is so far from the centre of the system that the energy is almost independent of the species.
48 citations
TL;DR: This book reports on the progress of research in six specialised topics in polymer science, each written by active workers in the field covered, each covering new and often very sophisticated techniques.
Abstract: I M Ward (ed) 1982 London: Applied Science ix + 230 pp price £26 This book, one of a continuing series, reports on the progress of research in six specialised topics in polymer science, each written by active workers in the field covered. Each chapter covers new and often very sophisticated techniques.
TL;DR: In this article, it was shown that there is a strong similarity to the seismology of the earth and that seismic disturbances on the sun must surely contain a wealth of information about the solar interior.
Abstract: Seismic disturbances on the sun must surely contain a wealth of information about the solar interior. We believe that because there is a strong similarity to the seismology of the earth.
TL;DR: Svelto as mentioned in this paper described the laser as a solution in search of a problem, which was a tame acronym for a wild plant that was well known during Graeco-Roman civilisation for its many useful properties.
Abstract: Orazio Svelto 1982 New York: Plenum xv + 375 pp price $29.50 In an intriguing introductory quotation from Pliny the Elder we are told that the Laser (a wild plant) was well known during the Graeco–Roman civilisation for its many useful properties. During the early 1960s, by contrast, the laser (a tame acronym) was described as a solution in search of a problem.
TL;DR: Shu as discussed by the authors is a truly astonishing book, invaluable for anyone with an interest in astronomy and surely the bargain of the year at £14.95, which is impossible in a short review to do justice to the 570 or so pages of actual text.
Abstract: Frank H Shu 1982 Oxford: Oxford University Press 584 pp price £14.95 This is a truly astonishing book, invaluable for anyone with an interest in astronomy and surely the bargain of the year at £14.95. It is impossible in a short review to do justice to the 570 or so pages of actual text, which cover almost every topic in astronomy and astrophysics.
TL;DR: Collinson as discussed by the authors provides a very brief introduction to magnetism and magnetic susceptibility and to the principal magnetic minerals, including magnetite, magnetite and magnetite magnetite. This is an excellent reference text for those involved in research into magnetic properties of rocks.
Abstract: David W Collinson 1983 London: Chapman and Hall xiv + 503 pp price £35 This is an excellent reference text for those involved in research into magnetic properties of rocks. It contains a very brief introduction to magnetism and magnetic susceptibility and to the principal magnetic minerals.
TL;DR: Wilber as discussed by the authors discusses the relationship that may exist between real science and real religion, as represented for example by mysticism or transcendence, which attracted the interest of a number of respected biological, medical and physical scientists.
Abstract: Ken Wilber (ed) 1983 Boulder/London: Shambhala (Routledge and Kegan Paul) 301 pp price £7.95 (paperback) This book is about the relationship that may exist between 'real science', as represented for example by physics or physiology, and 'real religion', as represented for example by mysticism or transcendence. This relationship quite suddenly attracted the interest of a number of respected biological, medical and physical scientists in the 1970s.
TL;DR: In response to the letter from Professor Lipson (Physics Bulletin August 1983 p314) in which he took me to task over my interpretation of Schrodinger's book What is Life? as mentioned in this paper, I referred to the book in my article 'Organisation without simple order', published in the April 1983 issue of Physics Bulletin.
Abstract: I am writing in response to the letter from Professor Lipson (Physics Bulletin August 1983 p314) in which he takes me to task over my interpretation of Schrodinger's book What is Life?. I referred to the book in my article 'Organisation without simple order', published in the April 1983 issue of Physics Bulletin.
TL;DR: In his preface to this fascinating book Abraham Pais writes that if he were asked for a one-illustration biography of Einstein he would offer the following with the caption 'The science and life of Albert Einstein' as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Abraham Pais 1982 Oxford: Oxford University Press xvi + 552 pp price £15 In his preface to this fascinating book Abraham Pais writes that if he were asked for a one-illustration biography of Einstein he would offer the following with the caption 'The science and life of Albert Einstein'. His book is essentially an attempt to explain the diagram and its caption.
TL;DR: Aitchison as discussed by the authors deals exclusively with gauge field theories (all theories of current physical interest are of this type) and assumes that the reader has a background knowledge of conventional quantum field theory.
Abstract: I J R Aitchison 1982 Cambridge: Cambridge University Press ix + 174 pp price £12.50 Over the last decade or so, field theories have re-emerged as the principal theoretical tools for understanding the phenomena of elementary particle physics, and as a result many books on field theory have recently been published. This one deals exclusively with gauge field theories (all theories of current physical interest are of this type) and assumes that the reader has a background knowledge of conventional quantum field theory.
TL;DR: The second volume of Popper's long-awaited Postscript to The Logic of Scientific Discovery has been published in a limited number of journals as discussed by the authors. But its publication today, through the work of W W W Bart ley III as editor, is a major addition to the Popper corpus.
Abstract: Karl R Popper 1982 London: Hutchinson xxii + 185 pp price £15 This is the second volume of Sir Karl Popper's long-awaited Postscript to The Logic of Scientific Discovery, which in the 25 years since its composition has only been available in unpublished form to a small circle. Its publication today, through the work of W W Bart ley III as editor, is a major addition to Popper's corpus and deserves wide attention.
TL;DR: Following the publication of my article 'Paintings and the history of electrical supply' (Physics Bulletin December 1982 p435), I was very interested to learn from Mr Stansfield's letter in the February issue (p50) that it was Brigadier Henchley who was responsible for the excellent illumination of Holman Hunt's 'Light of the World' at Keble College, Oxford as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Following the publication of my article 'Paintings and the history of electrical supply' (Physics Bulletin December 1982 p435), I was very interested to learn from Mr Stansfield's letter in the February issue (p50) that it was Brigadier Henchley who was responsible for the excellent illumination of Holman Hunt's 'Light of the World' at Keble College, Oxford. I have subsequently corresponded with the Brigadier and congratulated him upon his achievement.
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TL;DR: The World in Space as discussed by the authors is a book about the closest world has to a global government, but it is not a popular publication, not one that would attract Reader's Digest or Penguin Books, though maybe the former might consider a detechnicalised condensation.
Abstract: United Nations 1982 London: Prentice-Hall xiv + 689 pp price £39 Who better to put in the by-line of a book called The World in Space than the nearest that world has to a global government? A pity though that that government didn't dare take the risk of making the price of its product closer to the means of its populace! Mind you, this is not a 'popular' publication, not one that would attract Reader's Digest or Penguin Books, though maybe the former might consider a detechnicalised condensation.
TL;DR: Rot as mentioned in this paper examines the themes of science and technology, and of scientists, in the arms race; the social responsibility of scientists; measures to encourage scientists to be actively concerned with disarmament; and the role of the United Nations in these respects.
Abstract: Joseph Rotblat (general ed) 1982 London: Taylor and Francis vii + 323 pp price £9.50 This book was produced jointly by Unesco and Pugwash as a contribution to the preparations for the second United Nations Special Session on Disarmament in 1982. It examines the themes of the roles of science and technology, and of scientists, in the arms race; the social responsibility of scientists; measures to encourage scientists to be actively concerned with disarmament; and the role of the United Nations in these respects.
TL;DR: In this article, a volume of a "Graduate Student Series in Physics" aimed mainly at students on postgraduate courses is presented, focusing on major collective effects predicted by condensed matter theory and almost all of the book is concerned with the solid state.
Abstract: N H March and M Parrinello 1982 Bristol: Adam Hilger xi + 274 pp price £14 (IOP members' price £10.50) As a volume of a 'Graduate Student Series in Physics' this book is aimed mainly at students on postgraduate courses. It concentrates on the major collective effects predicted by condensed matter theory and almost all of the book is concerned with the solid state.
TL;DR: The authors regret that M F King has done precisely what I have complained about and, without any evidence whatsoever, feels free to make negative comments on how I do my job. I do not and never will condone inefficiency.
Abstract: I very much regret that Mr M F King has done precisely what I have complained about and, without any evidence whatsoever, feels free to make negative comments on how I do my job. I do not and never will condone inefficiency.
TL;DR: In this article, a thought experiment involving the separation of H2 gas from a mixture using a palladium 'filter' was proposed. But such an experiment would not be relevant to the question raised by Dr Hesketh, i.e. the velocity distribution in the mixture.
Abstract: Professor Bell, in his reply (Physics Bulletin November 1982 p386) to Dr Hesketh's letter (ibid August 1982 p270) on the experimental verification of the equipartition theorem for gas mixtures, proposes a 'thought experiment' involving the separation of H2 gas from a mixture using a palladium 'filter'. Such an experiment would not be relevant to the question raised by Dr Hesketh, i.e. the velocity distributions in the mixture.
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TL;DR: In almost every aspect of the authors' lives, the quantity and quality of their purchases, their surroundings, security and welfare largely depend on instrumentation.
Abstract: In almost every aspect of our lives we have become dependent on measuring instruments. The quantity and quality of our purchases, our surroundings, security and welfare largely depend on instrumentation.