Control Theory for Physicists

Control theory, an interdisciplinary concept dealing with the behaviour of dynamical systems, is an important but often overlooked aspect of physics. This is the first broad and complete treatment of the topic tailored for physicists, one which goes from the basics right through to the most recent advances. Simple examples develop a deep understanding and intuition for the systematic principles of control theory, beyond the recipes given in standard engineering-focused texts. Up-to-date coverage of control of networks and complex systems, and a thorough discussion of the fundamental limits of control, including the limitations placed by causality, information theory, and thermodynamics are included. In addition it explores important recent advances in stochastic thermodynamics on the thermodynamic costs of information processing and control. For all students of physics interested in control theory, this classroom-tested, comprehensive approach to the topic with online solutions and further materials delivers both fundamental principles and current developments.

Table of Contents:
Part I. Core Material: 1. Historical introduction; 2. Dynamical systems; 3. Frequency-domain control; 4. Time-domain control; 5. Discrete-time systems; 6. System identification; Part II. Advanced Ideas: 7. Optimal control; 8. Stochastic systems; 9. Robust control; 10. Adaptive control; 11. Nonlinear control; Part III. Special Topics: 12. Discrete-state systems; 13. Quantum control; 14. Networks and complex systems; 15. Limits to control.

About the Author :
John Bechhoefer is Professor of Physics at Simon Fraser University, British Columbia and Fellow of the American Physical Society. His research is at the intersection of thermodynamics, statistical physics, control theory, and information theory.

Review :
'Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, Control Theory for Physicists is an ideal and comprehensive volume that is unreservedly recommended as a curriculum textbook. While a core addition to college and university library Mathematical Physics & Calculus collections, it should be noted for students, academia, physicists, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject …' Midwest Book Review '… will enhance appreciation of the limits of practical applications of physics, especially those associated with thermodynamics and information theory … Highly recommended.' E. Kincanon, Choice Connect 'This is a rare example of a textbook that is concise yet clear, math dense yet very accessible, and rigorous yet beautifully written. The treatment throughout prioritizes first-principles descriptions, with an emphasis on not only when control works but also when it fails. It includes well-contextualized examples and well-formulated problems. It is ready for classroom use, with additional resources for instructors-such as a solution manual and associated Mathematica notebooks-available from the publisher. A 100-page supplement on background mathematics is also available on the publisher's website, which provides a comprehensive review of key mathematical topics. As already noted by Hugo Touchette in his back cover endorsement, this book may indeed lead more departments to include control theory in their curriculum.' Adilson E. Motter, Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Northwestern University, Illinois, IEEE Control Systems '… Together with information theory, control theory is the area of engineering that has the most fundamental lessons to teach physicists, and John Bechhoefer's recent textbook, Control Theory for Physicists, is an excellent place to start learning them … the pedagogical presentation of the material in the book perfectly complements its engaging subject matter.' Michael Hinczewski, The Biophysicist