Low-temperature physics /

Enss and Hunklinger (both, Universitat Heidelberg, Germany) offer a systematic and clearly presented introduction to physics of liquids and solids at cryogenic temperatures. "Quantum Fluids" is an experimental and theoretical introduction to the physics of He3 and He4 at low temperatures; "Solids at Low Temperatures" generally treats thermal and electrical properties of insulators and conductors; and "Principles of Refrigeration and Thermometry" introduces the production and measurement of low temperatures. Topics introduced through descriptions of experimental results are followed by theoretical treatments based on thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and quantum mechanics. The book is based on the authors' courses and has the advantage of clear logical development and uniform style and notation, especially important in introductory works. Problems of varying difficulty end each chapter and there is a very extensive reference list emphasizing earlier literature. Most books and review articles on low-temperature physics are generally narrowly focused and intended for specialists, e.g., Experimental Techniques in Condensed Matter Physics at Low Temperatures, ed. by Robert C. Richardson and Eric N. Smith (1988); Experimental Techniques in Low-Temperature Physics by Guy K. White (3rd ed., CH, Nov'79); and Experimental Principles and Methods below 1 K by O. V. Lounasmaa (1974). A very good introduction. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals. M. Coplan Institute for Physical Science and Technology