Uncovering Quantum Field Theory and the Standard Model
From Fundamental Concepts to Dynamical Mechanisms

Ideal for graduate courses on quantum field theory and the Standard Model, and as a reference for experienced researchers.

Wolfgang Bietenholz (Author), Uwe-Jens Wiese (Author)

9781108472333, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 2 January 2025

732 pages
26.2 x 18.6 x 4.1 cm, 1.526 kg

'This is a good and comprehensive summary of particle physics. Its particular value is the emphasis on nonperturbative methods including topology, anomalies and lattice methods. It is by its nature not so relevant of the Nuclear part of the course. The presentation is much more modern and streamlined than other books.' Harald W. Griesshammer, George Washington University

This textbook provides an accessible introduction to quantum field theory and the Standard Model of particle physics. It adopts a distinctive pedagogical approach with clear, intuitive explanations to complement the mathematical exposition. The book begins with basic principles of quantum field theory, relating them to quantum mechanics, classical field theory, and statistical mechanics, before building towards a detailed description of the Standard Model. Its concepts and components are introduced step by step, and their dynamical roles and interactions are gradually established. Advanced topics of current research are woven into the discussion and key chapters address physics beyond the Standard Model, covering subjects such as axions, technicolor, and Grand Unified Theories. This book is ideal for graduate courses and as a reference and inspiration for experienced researchers. Additional material is provided in appendices, while numerous end-of-chapter problems and quick questions reinforce the understanding and prepare students for their own research.

Preface
Part I. Quantum Field Theory: Ouverture: concepts of quantum field theory
1. Basics of quantum field theory
2. Scalar field theory and canonical quantization
3. From particles to wavicles and back
4. Perturbative scalar field functional integral in dimensional regularization
5. Renormalization group
6. Quantization of the free electromagnetic field
7. Charged states in scalar quantum electrodynamics
8. Canonical quantization of free Weyl, Dirac, and Majorana fermions
9. Fermionic functional integrals
10. Chiral symmetry in the continuum and on the lattice
11. Non-Abelian gauge fields
Part II. Construction of the Standard Model: Intermezzo: concepts of the Standard Model
12. Spontaneous breakdown of global symmetries: from condensed matter to Higgs bosons
13. Local symmetry and the Higgs mechanism: from superconductivity to electroweak gauge bosons
14. Gluons: from confinement to deconfinement
15. One generation of leptons and quarks
16. Fermion masses
17. Several generations and flavor physics of quarks and leptons
Part III. Strong Interaction: 18. Quantum Chromodynamics
19. Topology of gauge fields
20. U(1)A-problem
21. Spectrum of light baryons and mesons
22. Partons and hard processes
23. Chiral perturbation theory
24. Topology of Nambu-Goldstone boson fields
Part IV. Selected Topics beyond the Standard Model: 25. Strong CP-problem
26. Grand unified theories
Finale
Appendix A. Highlights in the development of particle physics
Appendix B. Units, hierarchies, and fundamental parameters
Appendix C. Structure of Minkowski space-time
Appendix D. Relativistic formulation of classical electrodynamics
Appendix E. From the Galilei to the Poincaré algebra
Appendix F. Lie groups and Lie algebras
Appendix G. Homotopy groups and topology
Appendix H. Monte Carlo method
Appendix I. Phase transitions and critical phenomena
Bibliography
Author Index
Subject Index.

Subject Areas: Statistical physics [PHS]