Quantum Field Theory

A pedagogical account of quantum field theory incorporating modern methods.

Lowell S. Brown (Author)

9780521469463, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 21 July 1994

560 pages, 50 b/w illus. 50 exercises
23.6 x 19 x 3 cm, 0.94 kg

'This is undoubtedly a good book to be strongly recommended.' European Journal of Physics

This book develops quantum field theory starting from its foundation in quantum mechanics. Quantum field theory is the basic theory of elementary particle physics. In recent years, many techniques have been developed which extend and clarify this theory. This book incorporates these modern methods, giving a thoroughly modern pedagogic account which starts from first principles. The path integral formulation is introduced right at the beginning. The method of dimensional continuation is employed to regulate and renormalize the theory. This facilitates the introduction of the concepts of the renormalization group at an early stage. The notion of spontaneous symmetry breakdown is also introduced early on by the example of superfluid helium. Topics in quantum electrodynamics are described which have an analog in quantum chromodynamics. Some novel techniques are employed, such as the use of dimensional continuation to compute the Lamb shift. Many problems are included.

1. Quantum mechanics, functional integrals
2. Many-particle systems
3. Elementary scalar field theory
4. Elementary processes
5. Renormalization
6. Structural aspects
7. Fields with spin
8. QED
Bibliography
Index.

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