Multivalued fields in condensed matter, electromagnetism, and gravitation

"This book lays the foundations of a theory of fluctuating multivalued fields with numerous applications. Most prominent are phenomena dominated by the statistical mechanics of line-like objects, such as the phase transitions in super-fluids and superconductors, and the melting process of crystals, all being the consequence of a condensation of vortex or defect lines. The phenomenon of charge confinement can also be explained if the electromagnetic potential is a multivalued field which is able lo produce a condensate of magnetic monopoles. There an electric version of the Meissner effect leads to electric flux tubes between charges which bind them permanently together. A third application defines the mathematics of Riemann-Cartan geometry with curvature and torsion and the associated laws of gravity from a new model of spacetime: a world-crystal with translational and rotational defects." "The book provides students.and researchers with supplementary reading material for graduate courses on phase transitions, quantum field theory, gravitational physics, and differential geometry."--Jacket.