Synopses & Reviews
In four volumes, the "Principles" develop the theory of random functions, the main tool in statistical radiophysics and a variety of other branches of physics and engineering. The course addresses students, postgraduates and researchers in radiophysics, optics, astronomy, acoustics and other fields dealing with fluctuations. The reader is assumed to have a certain knowledge of probability theory, but the esssential mathematical details are given. Examples dealing with real physical problems as well as exercises are included to facilitate the introduction into the subject and application of the concepts developed. The course is an updated and revised version of the very successful second Russian edition. It provides the uninitiated reader with sufficient background for reading monographs and papers on the subject and for independent active research. For the novice, it is most sensible to start with Vol.1; however, for the advanced reader, each of the four volumes may be of interest on its own. "Elements of Random Process Theory", the first volume, contains the essential mathematical prerequisites and definitions related to this topic. It deals in particular with the physics of random pulse processes, shot and flicker noises, fluctuations in self-oscillatory systems, random actions on linear and nonlinear discrete dynamical systems, Markov processes and stochastic differential equations.
Synopsis
Principles of Statistical Radiophysics is concerned with the theory of random functions (processes and fields) treated in close association with a number of ap- plications in physics. Primarily, the book deals with radiophysics in its broadest sense, i.e., viewed as a general theory of oscillations and waves of any physical l nature . This translation is based on the second (two-volume) Russian edition. It appears in four volumes: 1. Elements of Random Process Theory 2. Correlation Theory of Random Processes 3. Elements of Random Fields 4. Wave Propagation Through Random Media. The four volumes are, naturally, to a large extent conceptually interconnected (being linked, for instance, by cross-references); yet for the advanced reader each of them might be of interest on its own. This motivated the division of the Principles into four separate volumes. The text is designed for graduate and postgraduate students majoring in radiophysics, radio engineering, or other branches of physics and technology dealing with oscillations and waves (e.g., acoustics and optics). As a rule, early in their career these students face problems involving the use of random func- tions. The book provides a sound basis from which to understand and solve problems at this level. In addition, it paves the way for a more profound study of the mathematical theory, should it be necessary2. The reader is assumed to be familiar with probability theory.