Modern Quantum Field Theory: A Concise Introduction

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Tom BanksCambridge University Press, 9/18/2008EAN 9780521850827, ISBN10: 0521850827Hardcover, 280 pages, 25.2 x 19.3 x 1.5 cmLanguage: EnglishPresenting a variety of topics that ar e only briefly touched on in other texts, this book provides a thorough introduction to the techniques of field theory. Covering Feynman diagrams and path integrals, the author emphasizes the path integral approach, the Wilsonian approach to renormalization, and the physics of non-abelian gauge theory. It provides a thorough treatment of quark confinement and chiral symmetry breaking, topics not usually covered in other texts at this level. The Standard Model of particle physics is discussed in detail. Connections with condensed matter physics are explored, and there is a brief, but detailed, treatment of non-perturbative semi-classical methods. Ideal for graduate students in high energy physics and condensed matter physics, the book contains many problems,which help students practise the key techniques of quantum field theory.1. Introduction2. Quantum theory of free scalar fields3. Interacting field theory4. Particles of spin one, and gauge invariance5. Spin 1/2 particles and Fermi statistics6. Massive quantum electrodynamics7. Symmetries, Ward identities and Nambu Goldstone bosons8. Non-abelian gauge theory9. Renormalization and effective field theory10. Instantons and solitons11. Concluding remarksAppendicesReferencesIndex.'... an excellent textbook for a first encounter with quantum field theory and an essential reference for senior physicists. It presents the topic from a modern and streamlined perspective with beautiful and fresh explanations and clarifies many common misconceptions ... Thomas Banks is one of the deepest theoretical physicists and one of the best teachers in the field.' Nathan Seiberg, Princeton University Show more