Introduction to Quantum Field Theory
Classical Mechanics to Gauge Field Theories

This detailed and self-contained presentation of quantum field theory is suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate level courses.

Anthony G. Williams (Author)

9781108470902, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 4 August 2022

792 pages
26.1 x 20.8 x 3.9 cm, 2.02 kg

'Both as an introductory text and as an excellent single-volume compendium on quantum field theory, this book is highly recommended for students as well as practitioners at all levels.' Wolfram Weise, Technical University of Munich

This textbook offers a detailed and uniquely self-contained presentation of quantum and gauge field theories. Writing from a modern perspective, the author begins with a discussion of advanced dynamics and special relativity before guiding students steadily through the fundamental principles of relativistic quantum mechanics and classical field theory. This foundation is then used to develop the full theoretical framework of quantum and gauge field theories. The introductory, opening half of the book allows it to be used for a variety of courses, from advanced undergraduate to graduate level, and students lacking a formal background in more elementary topics will benefit greatly from this approach. Williams provides full derivations wherever possible and adopts a pedagogical tone without sacrificing rigour. Worked examples are included throughout the text and end-of-chapter problems help students to reinforce key concepts. A fully worked solutions manual is available online for instructors.

1. Lorentz and Poincare Invariance
2. Classical Mechanics
3. Relativistic Classical Fields
4. Relativistic Quantum Mechanics
5. Introduction to Particle Physics
6. Formulation of Quantum Field Theory
7. Interacting Quantum Field Theories
8. Symmetries and Renormalization
9. Nonabelian Gauge Theories.

Subject Areas: Mathematical physics [PHU], Quantum physics [quantum mechanics & quantum field theory PHQ], Particle & high-energy physics [PHP]