Quantum Field Theory
From Basics to Modern Topics

A rigorous and self-contained text reviewing the fundamentals of quantum field theory and exploring advanced topics and modern techniques.

François Gelis (Author)

9781108480901, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 11 July 2019

608 pages, 100 b/w illus. 5 tables 184 exercises
25.3 x 19.3 x 3.1 cm, 1.46 kg

'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

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.

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.

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