The Quantum Theory of Fields: Volume 1, Foundations

Comprehensive introduction to quantum field theory by Nobel Laureate Steven Weinberg, now available in paperback.

Steven Weinberg (Author)

9780521670531, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 9 May 2005

640 pages, 33 b/w illus. 2 tables 70 exercises
25.3 x 17.5 x 3 cm, 1.2 kg

'The book starts out with an excellent historical introduction, not found anywhere else, giving citations to many by now classic papers … a valuable reference work as well as a textbook for graduate students.' G. Roepstorff, Zentralblatt für Mathematik

Available for the first time in paperback, The Quantum Theory of Fields is a self-contained, comprehensive, and up-to-date introduction to quantum field theory from Nobel Laureate Steven Weinberg. Volume I introduces the foundations of quantum field theory. The development is fresh and logical throughout, with each step carefully motivated by what has gone before. After a brief historical outline, the book begins with the principles of relativity and quantum mechanics, and the properties of particles that follow. Quantum field theory emerges from this as a natural consequence. The classic calculations of quantum electrodynamics are presented in a thoroughly modern way, showing the use of path integrals and dimensional regularization. It contains much original material, and is peppered with examples and insights drawn from the author's experience as a leader of elementary particle research. Exercises are included at the end of each chapter.

Preface
1. Historical introduction
2. Relativistic quantum mechanics
3. Scattering theory
4. The cluster decomposition principle
5. Quantum fields and antiparticles
6. The Feynman rules
7. The canonical formalism
8. Massless particles: electrodynamics
9. Path integral methods
10. Nonperturbative methods
11. One-loop radiative corrections in quantum electrodynamics
12. General renormalization theory
13. Infrared effects
14. Bound states in external fields
Subject index
Author index.

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