Quantum Field Theory
This modern text combines fundamental principles with advanced topics and recent techniques in a rigorous and self-contained treatment of quantum field theory.Beginning with a review of basic principles, starting with quantum mechanics and special relativity, students can refresh their knowledge of elementary aspects of quantum field theory and perturbative calculations in the Standard Model. Results and tools relevant to many applications are covered, including canonical quantization, path integrals, non-Abelian gauge theories, and the renormalization group. Advanced topics are explored, with detail given on effective field theories, quantum anomalies, stable extended field configurations, lattice field theory, and field theory at a finite temperature or in the strong field regime. Two chapters are dedicated to new methods for calculating scattering amplitudes (spinor-helicity, on-shell recursion, and generalized unitarity), equipping students with practical skills for research. Accessibly written, with numerous worked examples and end-of-chapter problems, this is an essential text for graduate students. The breadth of coverage makes it an equally excellent reference for researchers.
- Connects physical theory with formal mathematics, with numerous worked examples
- Fully up-to-date, with an emphasis on modern techniques important for current and future research
- Begins with a concise overview of basic topics to refresh knowledge and ensure a complete understanding of the subject
Reviews & endorsements
'Quantum Field Theory: From Basics to Modern Topics, by François Gelis, is a very welcome addition to the canon of literature on quantum field theory, impressive both in its breadth and depth. It covers, in a succinct fashion, foundational material in the subject and then treats many more modern developments: effective field theories, anomaly matching, recursion relations for gauge and gravitational amplitudes, strong fields, and more.' Laurence Yaffe, University of Washington
'Though there are many books on quantum field theory, I have found this book valuable for its readable treatment of a diverse selection of modern topics from a uniform viewpoint. Subjects introduced well in this book that are hard to find elsewhere include Schwinger-Keldysh and finite-temperature field theory, modern tools for scattering amplitudes, worldline methods, as well as effective field theory. The discussion is illustrated with a rich set of examples, mainly from high energy physics.' John McGreevy, University of California, San Diego
Product details
August 2019Hardback
9781108480901
608 pages
253 × 193 × 31 mm
1.46kg
100 b/w illus. 5 tables 184 exercises
Available
Table of Contents
- Preface
- 1. Basics of quantum field theory
- 2. Peturbation theory
- 3. Quantum electrodynamics
- 4. Spontaneous symmetry breaking
- 5. Functional quantization
- 6. Path integrals for fermions and photons
- 7. Non-Abelian gauge symmetry
- 8. Quantization of Yang–Mills theory
- 9. Renormalization of gauge theories
- 10. Renormalization group
- 11. Effective field theories
- 12. Quantum anomalies
- 13. Localized field configurations
- 14. Modern tools for tree amplitudes
- 15. Wordline formalism
- 16. Lattice field theory
- 17. Quantum field theory at finite temperature
- 18. Strong fields and semi-classical methods
- 19. From trees to loops
- Further reading
- Index.