Topological defects have recently become of great interest in condensed matter physics, particle physics and cosmology. They are the unavoidable remnants of man

Topological defects formed at symmetry-breaking phase transitions play an important role in many different fields of physics. They appear in many condensed-matt

Now in paperback, this book provides an overview of the physics of condensed matter systems. Assuming a familiarity with the basics of quantum mechanics and sta