Symmetry in Crystallography: Understanding the International Tables: 17 (International Union of Crystallography Texts on Crystallography)

Author: Paolo Radaelli
Brand: Oxford University Press
Binding: Hardcover
Number of Pages: 142
Release Date: 24-04-2012
EAN: 9780199550654
Package Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.3 x 0.3 inches
Languages: English

Product Description:

This book offers a fresh and unconventional approach to teaching crystallographic symmetry. Unlike traditional textbooks that often rely heavily on algebra and become very technical, this book begins with a 'pictorial' approach, using symmetry diagrams from the International Tables for Crystallography. The initial chapters focus on simple 'frieze' and 'wallpaper' patterns, with numerous examples from the visual arts, helping readers build an intuitive understanding of symmetry.

By the end of Chapter 3, readers will be able to identify and analyze these basic symmetries and apply the nomenclature and symbols from the International Tables. The mathematical formalism is introduced later in the book, ensuring that readers will have a solid, intuitive grasp of the subject by that point.

This book is aimed at graduate students, advanced undergraduates, and practitioners in fields such as physics, chemistry, earth sciences, and structural biology. It provides a solid foundation to master the International Tables of Crystallography and understand related literature.

Review:

The book is written in an accessible and stylish manner, supported by useful black-and-white illustrations and important equations. The author, Paolo Radaelli, successfully covers the topic of symmetry in crystallography within just 144 pages, which is considered a significant accomplishment. The book also includes a collection of monographs, textbooks, and symmetry-related references across various disciplines, making it a valuable resource for students and professionals.

Review Excerpt:
"Written in a very stylish and accessible manner and supported with many useful black-and-white pictures and photographs in addition to important equations... Paolo Radaelli has succeeded in handling the subject of symmetry and its relevance to crystallography over just 144 pages."
— Ahmed A. Al-Tabbakh, Contemporary Physics

About the Author:

Paolo Radaelli holds a Laurea degree from the Università degli Studi di Milano and a PhD from Illinois Institute of Technology. He has worked at prestigious institutions such as the Argonne National Laboratory, CNRS Grenoble, the Institute Laue-Langevin, and the ISIS Facility at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. His research focuses on transition metal oxides with novel physical phenomena, such as high-temperature superconductivity, colossal magneto-resistance, and multiferroic behavior, which have potential device applications. He is currently Dr. Lee's Professor of Experimental Philosophy at the Clarendon Laboratory, Oxford University.