Since QCD is an ever growing area of physics, a number of sections in this third edition of the book have been expanded, in particular, those dealing with deep inelastic scattering. Here new material is included both on higher-order calculations, quite a number of which have become available in the last few years, and on the small-x limit of structure functions, where, triggered by the results of HERA, there has been considerable activity. Two other topics have also received special attention. One is the matter of bound states of heavy quarks, where inclusion of higher-order perturbative and nonperturbative corrections has led to a clarification of the QCD description, particularly for the lowest states of heavy quarkonia. The other concerns the results of high-order (four-loop) calculations and a new determination of the parameters of the theory, quark masses, etc.

Klappentext

First published in 1983, this book has become a classic among advanced textbooks. The new fourth edition maintains the high standard of its predecessors. The book offers basic knowledge of field theory and particle phenomenology. The author presents the basic facts of quark and gluon physics in pedagogical form. Explanations of theory are supported throughout with experimental findings. The text provides readers with sufficient understanding to follow modern research articles. This fourth edition presents a new section on heavy quark effective theories, more material on lattice QCD and on chiral perturbation theory.

Inhalt

1. Generalities.- 2. QCD as a Field Theory.- 3. Renormalization in QCD.- 4. Perturbative QCD, I. Deep Inelastic Processes.- 5. Perturbative QCD, II. OZI Forbidden Decays; Drell-Yan Processes; Jets; SVZ Sum Rules; Exclusive Processes and so on..- 6. Hadrons as Bound States of Quarks.- 7. Light Quarks; PCAC; Chiral Dynamics; the QCD Vacuum.- 8. Instantons.- 9. Lattice QCD.- 10. The Perturbative QCD Series. The Parameters of QCD.- Appendices.- Appendix B: Some Useful Integrals.- Appendix C: Group-theoretic Quantities. Group Integration.- Appendix D: Feynman Rules for QCD 383 Appendix E: Feynman Rules for Composite Operators.- Appendix F: Some Singular Functions.- Appendix G: Kinematics, Cross Sections, Decay Rates. Units.- Appendix H: Functional Derivatives.- Appendix I: Gauge Invariant Operator Product.- References.