Symmetry Principles and Magnetic Symmetry in Solid State Physics

Written specifically for advanced undergraduates and graduates, this text is written in the style of lecture notes on the applications of group theory to solid state physics. An elementary course in solid state physics and quantum mechanics is considered a prerequisite for this work. The first part of the book is intended as an introduction to the field and aims to explain, via the extensive use of character tables, how symmetry arguments can be used to give a detailed insight into the physical properties of crystals closely linked with structures. Part 1 includes an introduction to group theoretical concepts and techniques, basic symmetry operations present in the solid state, and illustrative examples and exercises. Part 2 should be useful for those beginning the study of magnetic crystals, and has been written for students already familiar with elementary group theory.