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An overview on selected thermodynamic and kinetic
aspects of the theoretical description of first-order phase
transitions, and, in particular, of the theory of nucleation is
given. Hereby both basic concepts as well as modern
developments in this field are discussed. Details can be traced
in the literature cited and in the given there further references.
The analysis is directed here mainly to phase formation
processes in non-crystalline materials. However, the majority of
the methods employed and results discussed are, possibly with
quantitative modifications, applicable to phase formation
processes in any other fields of interest as well.
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