Advanced Topics in Quantum Field Theory
Since the advent of Yang–Mills theories and supersymmetry in the 1970s, quantum field theory – the basis of the modern description of physical phenomena at the fundamental level – has undergone revolutionary developments. This is the first systematic and comprehensive text devoted specifically to modern field theory, bringing readers to the cutting edge of current research. The book emphasizes nonperturbative phenomena and supersymmetry. It includes a thorough discussion of various phases of gauge theories, extended objects and their quantization, and global supersymmetry from a modern perspective. Featuring extensive cross-referencing from traditional topics to recent breakthroughs in the field, it prepares students for independent research. The side boxes summarizing the main results and over 70 exercises make this an indispensable book for graduate students and researchers in theoretical physics.
- The first unified treatment of the major aspects of modern field theory with emphasis on nonperturbative phenomena and supersymmetry
- Brings students up to date through extensive cross-referencing linking traditional topics to recent advances
- Side boxes provide summaries of the main results derived in the text
Reviews & endorsements
"Many interesting developments have taken place in quantum field theory (QFT) since the 1970's, and there is no better place to learn about them than this book. The author has been an active contributor to the field over the past four decades and he has produced a personal book based on his lectures over the years. Reading the table of contents virtually gives you vertigo because the depth and breadth of the topics covered is simply staggering.
The author provides one of the most elegant and concise presentations of the use of instantons in gauge theories that I have ever seen. This book is a must for anyone interested in learning about the developments in advanced field theory over the past few decades. It is pedagogical and deeply insightful presentation by one of the masters in the field."
Luis Albarez-Gaume, CERN for CERN Courier
"Aimed at advanced students as well as researchers, the book is a unique combination of a basic guide to modern quantum field theory and a manual of new research topics."
Gert Roepstorff (Aachen)
"In total, this book is an excellent addition to the textbooks on quantum field theories. It fills part of a gap between the standard education on field theories and actual research, and covers many topics rarely taught in courses."
Axel Maas, Mathematical Reviews
Product details
February 2012Adobe eBook Reader
9781139210362
0 pages
0kg
208 b/w illus. 79 exercises
This ISBN is for an eBook version which is distributed on our behalf by a third party.
Table of Contents
- Part I. Before Supersymmetry:
- 1. Phases of gauge theories
- 2. Kinks and domain walls
- 3. Vortices and flux tubes (strings)
- 4. Monopoles and skyrmions
- 5. Instantons
- 6. Isotropic ferromagnet: O(3) sigma model and extensions
- 7. False vacuum decay and related topics
- 8. Chiral anomaly
- 9. Confinement in 4D gauge theories and models in lower dimensions
- Part II. Introduction to Supersymmetry:
- 10. Basics of supersymmetry with emphasis on gauge theories
- 11. Supersymmetric solitons
- References
- Index.