Thermodynamics of Magnetizing Materials and Superconductors

Kozhevinkov's book is a succinct and delightfully clear exposition of the fundamental thermodynamic principles underlying magnetic and superconducting materials. Each chapter concludes with a set of problems augmented by worked solutions, which will make the book very suitable for anyone trying to get to grips with this notoriously thorny subject. - Prof. Stephen Blundell, Department of Physics, University of Oxford The book of Professor Kozhevnikov covers an important chapter of thermodynamics, which is largely underrepresented in the literature. To the best of my knowledge, this is the first monograph which consistently expounds the concepts of thermodynamics of materials in magnetic fields. In particular, it comprehensively addresses an issue of a demagnetizing factor and the forms of thermodynamic potentials appropriate for different sample/field configurations. Significant part of the book is devoted to the superconductivity. It is distinguished in in-depth discussions of not well-covered subjects, such as the intermediate state in type-I superconductors and magnetic properties of type-II materials with non-zero demagnetizing factor. In the first chapter (Elements of magnetostatics in magnetizing media), the author discusses latest achievements in the studies of superconductivity made possible due to the most advanced methods of magnetometry, such as the muon spin rotation spectroscopy. These achievements include (but not limited to) a novel explanation of nucleation of superconductivity at high magnetic field and direct measurements of the field intensity H in type-I superconductors. The book is written in a clear language without mathematical excesses but with an emphasis on the physical meaning of the concepts covered. To illustrate these concepts, all chapters are accompanied by original problems with solutions. This book will definitely appeal to students and instructors/ researchers in Physics, Applied Physics, Chemistry, Material Science, and Electrical Engineering Departments. It can be used as a supplementary text in variety of courses, e.g., thermodynamics, electromagnetism, physics of condensed matter, superconductivity, and statistical physics. - Michail Raikh, Journal of Superconductivity and Novel Magnetism, 2019