An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory

This is a systematic presentation of quantum field theory from first principles, emphasizing both theoretical concepts and experimental applications.

George Sterman (Author)

9780521311328, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 26 August 1993

592 pages, 120 b/w illus.
24.7 x 17.2 x 3.2 cm, 1.038 kg

"...useful for an introductory course in quantum field theory to graduate students. Furthermore it provides a good introduction to the theory of perturbative QCD for research scientists who are interested to work in this field." Paolo Nason, Cern Courier

This is a systematic presentation of quantum field theory from first principles, emphasizing both theoretical concepts and experimental applications. Starting from introductory quantum and classical mechanics, this book develops the quantum field theories that make up the 'Standard Model' of elementary processes. It derives the basic techniques and theorems that underly theory and experiment, including those that are the subject of theoretical development. Special attention is also given to the derivations of cross sections relevant to current high-energy experiments and to perturbative quantum chromodynamics, with examples drawn from electron-positron annihilation, deeply inelastic scattering and hadron-hadron scattering. The first half of the book introduces the basic ideas of field theory. The discussion of mathematical issues is everywhere pedagogical and self contained. Topics include the role of internal symmetry and relativistic invariance, the path integral, gauge theories and spontaneous symmetry breaking, and cross sections in the Standard Model and in the parton model. The material of this half is sufficient for an understanding of the Standard Model and its basic experimental consequences. The second half of the book deals with perturbative field theory beyond the lowest-order approximation. Exercises are included for each chapter, and several appendices complement the text.

Part I. Scalar Fields: 1. Classical fields and symmetries
2. Canonical quantization
3. Path integrals, perturbation theory and Feynman rules
4. Scattering and cross sections for scalar fields
Part II. Fields with Spin: 5. Spinors, vectors and gauge invariance
6. Spin and canonical quantization
7. Path integrals for fermions and gauge fields
8. Gauge theories at lowest order
Part III. Renormalization: 9. Loops, regularization and unitarity
10. Introduction to renormalization
11. Renormalization and unitarity of gauge theories
Part IV. The Nature of Perturbative Cross Sections: 12. Perturbative corrections and the infrared problem
13. Analytic structure and infrared finiteness
14. Factorization and evolution in high energy scattering
15. Epilogue: bound states and the limitations of perturbation theory
Appendices
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Quantum physics [quantum mechanics & quantum field theory PHQ]