Geometry and Topology of Soft Materials

This book provides an introduction to the geometrical and topological methods that have become essential tools for soft condensed matter physicists. The emphasis is on providing mathematical tools in clear but precise language, focusing on fundamental concepts using real examples to illustrate for readers in vivid, three-dimensional fashion. The motivation is clearly provided using problems from soft condensed matter, from the packing of colloids to liquid crystals and thermal fluctuations of lipid membranes.

Christian Santangelo is an associate professor of physics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He obtained is B.A. from Cornell University and his Ph.D. from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He spent three years at the University of Pennsylvania before joining the faculty at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His research is in theoretical condensed matter physics, and is focused on understanding the behavior of soft materials using geometrical methods. He was the recipient of the Glenn Brown Prize in 2004 from the International Liquid Crystal Society and a CAREER award from the National Science Foundation.