The Renormalization Group and Condensed Matter Physics

by David R. Nelson, Grace H. Zhang

Overview

A graduate-level entrée to the application of renormalization group theory to condensed matter physics

Renormalization group ideas have had a major impact on condensed matter physics for more than a half century. This book develops the theory and illustrates the broad applicability of the renormalization group to major problems in condensed matter physics. Based on course materials developed and class-tested by the authors at Harvard University, the book will be especially useful for students, as well as researchers in condensed matter physics, soft matter physics, biophysics, and statistical physics. After reviewing Ising models, lattice gases, and critical point phenomena, the book covers quantum critical phenomena; the statistical mechanics of linear polymer chains; fluctuating sheet polymers; the dynamics associated with the Navier-Stokes equations and simplified models of randomly stirred fluids; the properties of “active matter”; and more.

• Explores the broad applicability of renormalization groups to condensed matter
• Covers critical phenomena in different dimensions, quantum critical points, polymer physics and flexural phonons in free-standing graphene, nonequilibrium fluid dynamics, and more
• Provides a modern, physics-centered entrée, suitable for both course use and self-study
• Features material ideal for graduate-level students as well as researchers
• Includes exercises throughout
• Offers a solutions manual for exercises (available only to instructors)

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780691257907
Publisher:	Princeton University Press
Publication date:	07/15/2025
Pages:	328
Product dimensions:	8.00(w) x 10.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

David R. Nelson is professor of physics and applied physics and the Arthur K. Solomon Professor of Biophysics at Harvard University. Grace H. Zhang obtained her PhD in theoretical condensed matter physics from Harvard University.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"This is one of the very best physics books I have ever read. I like the clarity of thought, the physical intuition that has been masterfully woven into the text, the pedagogical structure that builds one thought upon another, the clear figures, and the choice of topics that start from basic knowledge and end with the most modern applications of the techniques introduced. The attractive writing style also makes the text easy and fun to read. A truly outstanding introduction and the textbook that the field has been waiting for.”—Karin Dahmen, University of Illinois, Urbana–Champaign

“David Nelson is a leading condensed matter theorist, and this textbook reflects the wide and deep contributions that he has made for several decades. It explains how to use the renormalization group to extract the universal properties of continuous phase transitions in a wide range on physically important systems. I am not aware of any other book with the scope of this one.”—Eduardo Fradkin, University of Illinois, Urbana–Champaign

“The renormalization group is one of the great triumphs of physical reasoning and pure thought: it has impacted nearly every field of physics and is the keystone that supports our best understanding of pure and applied phenomena. This masterful volume offers the reader an elegant and modern account of a variety of condensed matter systems, based on lectures honed and research practiced over the last half century.”—Randall Kamien, University of Pennsylvania

“This book is a delightful, masterfully delivered course that introduces the reader to the critical phenomena of Landau’s phase transitions theory and applications to frontier research topics. The crystal-clear exposition makes this a fantastic guide for a second-semester graduate course on statistical mechanics. Highly pedagogical, yet concise and self-contained, it nicely balances between technical details and physical insight and is supported by excellent figures and creative problems.”—Leo Radzihovsky, University of Colorado Boulder