All Questions
Tagged with reference-request or resource-recommendations
2,555 questions
14
votes
5
answers
7k
views
Where can I find public domain astronomical pictures?
Where can I find public domain astronomical pictures of nebulae, stars, etc. that can be freely used?
14
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Old Russian Physics Papers?
Where can one find old Russian scientific papers in physics, say, in the Proceedings of the Russian Academy of Sciences or Zhurnal Eksperimentalnoy i Teoreticheskoy Fiziki? Can they be found online ...
14
votes
3
answers
1k
views
Hilbert-Schmidt basis for many qubits - reference
Every density matrix of $n$ qubits can be written in the following way
$$\hat{\rho}=\frac{1}{2^n}\sum_{i_1,i_2,\ldots,i_n=0}^3 t_{i_1i_2\ldots i_n} \hat{\sigma}_{i_1}\otimes\hat{\sigma}_{i_2}\otimes\...
14
votes
2
answers
2k
views
2d Ising model in CFT and statistical mechanics
When I recently started to read about conformal field theory, one of the basic examples there is the so called Ising model. It is characterized by certain specific collection of fields on the plane ...
14
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Representations of the Lorentz group in an arbitrary number of space-time dimensions$.$
Let $\mathrm{SO}(1,d-1)^\uparrow$ be the connected Lorentz group in $d$ dimensions. I am looking for a book/article where its finite-dimensional projective representations are studied in detail. ...
13
votes
7
answers
14k
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Book Recommendation: Quantum optics
Could you suggest me a list of books for understanding Quantum Optics for students who have studied Introductory Q.M. (such as Griffiths).
It would be grateful if you distinguish between readable one ...
13
votes
11
answers
18k
views
Books that every layman should read [closed]
To add to Books that every physicist should read:
A list of popular physics books for people who aren't necessarily interested in technical physics.
(see also Book recommendations)
13
votes
2
answers
4k
views
Are there books on Regularization and Renormalization in QFT at an Introductory level?
Are there books on Regularization and Renormalization, in the context of quantum field theory at an Introductory level? Could you suggest one?
Added: I posted at math.SE the question Reference ...
13
votes
2
answers
822
views
Resource recommendation for fractional statistics
A gentle yet comprehensive introduction to the concept of abelian and non-abelian statistics will be much appreciated.
13
votes
1
answer
1k
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Details of Newtonian Prediction for Mercury's Precession
Could anyone point me to a book or outline the methods used to actually calculate the 532 arcseconds per century that Newtonian theory apparently predicts for Mercury's precession. I am completely ...
13
votes
2
answers
4k
views
Introductory texts for functionals and calculus of variation
I am going to learn some math about functionALs (like functional derivative, functional integration, functional Fourier transform) and calculus of variation. Just looking forward to any good ...
13
votes
2
answers
4k
views
Sources to learn about Greens functions
For a physics major, what are the best books/references on Greens functions for self-studying?
My mathematical background is on the level of Mathematical Methods in the physical sciences by Mary Boas....
13
votes
1
answer
2k
views
String theory from a mathematical point of view
I have a great interest in the area of string theory, but since I am more focused on mathematics, I was wondering if there is any book out there that covers mathematical aspects of string theory. I ...
13
votes
1
answer
222
views
Where can I find data about hyperfine levels of a given atom?
The NIST Atomic Spectra Database is an excellent resource for finding the energy levels of atoms and the transitions between them, and (together with the DLMF) is a good candidate for the number-one ...
12
votes
7
answers
8k
views
What are the most important papers in physics? [closed]
Recently I got the book "On the Shoulders of Giant" from Stephen Hawkings. It consists of more than 1000 pages of classical publications in physics. However 900 pages are given to the work of ...
12
votes
5
answers
5k
views
Geometry of Yang-Mills theory
I am looking for a preferably introductory text on Yang-Mills theory with mathematical basis and language. (Differential forms) I have a background in QCD and QED, however, I want to go more in ...
12
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Proper reference for the International System of Units
I would like to cite a relevant document that guides usage of SI units. It seems like currently there are two nearly identical literature sources:
8th edition of SI Brochure issued by BIPM, 2006;
...
12
votes
4
answers
5k
views
Book recommendations - Topological Insulators for dummies
Is there a pedagogical explanation of what is a topological insulator for those that do not even know what the Berry phase is but have a basic understanding of quantum mechanics and solid state ...
12
votes
5
answers
7k
views
Learn QM algebraic formulations and interpretations
I have a good undergrad knowledge of quantum mechanics, and I'm interesting in reading up more about interpretation and in particular things related to how QM emerges algebraically from some ...
12
votes
4
answers
3k
views
Problems book recommendation on supersymmetry, supergravity and superstring theory
I'm learning supersymmetry, supergravity and superstring. I want some problems books to have some idea in this area. Is there this kind of books? Or are there some papers that have many solved model?
12
votes
3
answers
4k
views
Mathematical Physics Book Recommendation [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Best books for mathematical background?
I want to learn contemporary mathematical physics, so that, for example, I can read Witten's latest paper without checking other ...
12
votes
1
answer
389
views
Quantum Fields as Functionals
In single-particle quantum mechanics, particles are replaced by wave-functions -- which are functions from the space of possible particle positions to the complex numbers. It seems that the most '...
12
votes
1
answer
354
views
Experimental bounds on Lorentz-violating dispersion relation
It has been predicted by several background-independent approaches to Quantum Gravity (like LQG or spinfoams) that the physical dispersion relations in vacuum could take the following form:
$$ p^2 = ...
12
votes
2
answers
295
views
Recommendations for experiments that confirm Field Theoretic Models?
In the introduction of Introduction to QFT by Peskin and Schroeder, the authors write:
"we do not discuss the beautiful and varied experiments on phase transitions that led to the confirmation ...
11
votes
3
answers
4k
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Study Quantum Physics
I'm an aspiring physicist who wants to self study some Quantum Physics. My thirst for knowledge is unquenchable and I can not wait 2 more years until I get my first quantum physics class in university,...
11
votes
3
answers
824
views
References on the non-compositeness of the known elementary particles
What paper(s) or theory(s) describe or prove that the elementary particles that we have determined today cannot be made up of smaller more fundamental particles?
11
votes
5
answers
3k
views
Open source computer algebra systems for general relativity
I would like to use an open source computer algebra system (CAS) for research in general relativity. Kindly suggest a good choice between Ipython and Sage. I am more interested in the theoretical ...
11
votes
2
answers
3k
views
Advanced topics in string theory
I'm looking for texts about topics in string theory that are "advanced" in the sense that they go beyond perturbative string theory. Specifically I'm interested in
String field theory (including ...
11
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Fermi Liquid Theory Reference
I am trying to study Fermi liquid theory as a primer to understand what so-called non-Fermi liquids are. In particular, I want to understand the predictions of Fermi liquid theory (such as temperature ...
11
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Where can I learn about connections between economics and physics?
I understand that there are a lot of concepts in economics motivated by physics so I was wondering if anyone would be able to recommend me some sources to learn about these things. Ideally, a textbook ...
11
votes
4
answers
18k
views
Video lectures on graduate level Classical Electrodynamics
This is a rather broad question. Does anyone know of good video lectures for graduate level classical electrodynamics?
11
votes
1
answer
566
views
What are good books covering information theoretic approaches to theoretical physics?
I am about to finish my undergraduate studies and am very interested in going into the applications of information theory to either general relativity, or quantum mechanics.
However I have been ...
11
votes
1
answer
728
views
Reference recommendation for Projective representation, group cohomology, Schur's multiplier and central extension
Recently I read the chapter 2 of Weinberg's QFT vol1. I learned that in QM we need to study the projective representation of symmetry group instead of representation. It says that a Lie group can have ...
11
votes
3
answers
414
views
Reference request for low entropy Big Bang
There is a somewhat widely accepted argument that the second law of thermodynamics exists because the universe began in a low-entropy state. I'm writing a paper that mentions this (and must be ...
11
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Fluid Mechanics with calculus on manifolds
Fluid Mechanics is a branch of physics that uses a lot of vector calculus in $\mathbb{R}^3$ to describe phenomena mathematically. Calculus on manifolds, however, is the straightforward generalization ...
10
votes
3
answers
1k
views
References on the physics of anyons
Anyone know some good introductory references on the physics of anyons?
10
votes
3
answers
7k
views
Modern references for continuum mechanics
I'm wondering what some standard, modern references might be for continuum mechanics. I imagine most references are probably more used by mechanical engineers than physicists but it's still a ...
10
votes
3
answers
154
views
What are good resources for someone looking to become an amateur astronomer?
What resources would you consider to be essential for an amateur astronomer?
10
votes
4
answers
1k
views
Astronomy experiments for amateurs [closed]
Are there any resources online for astronomy experiments that I can perform myself?
I am looking if anyone knows any measurements to take while looking for various objects during the evening ...
10
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Literature on lattice quantum field theory
Could you please list some books on lattice quantum field theory? Hardcopy books or electronic books. I'm interested in quantum field theory with only discrete impulses, with impulse cut-offs, both ...
10
votes
3
answers
5k
views
Textbook on the Geometry of Special Relativity
I am looking for a textbook that treats the subject of Special Relativity from a geometric point of view, i.e. a textbook that introduces the theory right from the start in terms of 4-vectors and ...
10
votes
5
answers
4k
views
How to learn celestial mechanics?
I'm a PhD student in math and am really excited about celestial mechanics.
I was wondering if anyone could give me a roadmap for learning this subject. The amount of information about it on the ...
10
votes
2
answers
4k
views
Anomalies in QFT
I am a first year PhD student in theoretical physics with a background in QFT (up until relativistic fields, path integrals and gauge theories and anomalies) and some algebraic topology but my ...
10
votes
3
answers
3k
views
Book recommendation for nonequilibrium thermo/stat mech
I'm doing an undergrad research project that lies at the intersection of biology and nonequilibrium thermodynamics, but I'm starting to realize almost none of my equilibrium thermo/stat mech knowledge ...
10
votes
3
answers
17k
views
Book recommendation for Atomic & Molecular physics
What are some interesting books for a sophomore undergrad about Atomic & Molecular Physics?
10
votes
3
answers
4k
views
Physics book for 15 year old boy [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
List of good classical physics books
my name is Bruno Alano. As stated in the title, I'm 15 years old (I'll do 16 on 7 of Feb) and much love Computer Science (C, C++), ...
10
votes
1
answer
5k
views
What is replica symmetry breaking, and what is a good resource for learning it?
M. Mezard, G. Parisi and coworkers have written about replica symmetry and its breaking in spin glasses, structural glasses, and hard computational problems.
I am just getting acquainted with this ...
9
votes
2
answers
11k
views
Ricci tensor given through the metric
This is a request for references, mainly for educational aims. In textbooks about general relativity, it is common to present the Riemann and Ricci tensors using the Christoffel symbols. This is easy ...
9
votes
3
answers
3k
views
General relativity (gravitation) in time and one spatial dimension
I don't have any idea of general relativity but intend to learn. Is it a good idea to study general relativity in 1+1D (time and a single spatial dimension) in the beginning to get good idea on the ...
9
votes
6
answers
986
views
A database for review literature in theoretical physics
Is there a database somewhere of the review literature (especially the most cited papers) in theoretical physics? I know about Spires but unfortunately it is not working. When I open a page it says "...