This self-contained textbook provides comprehensive coverage of relativistic quantum field theory that is accessible to both particle and condensed matter physics students, covering fundamentals, advanced topics, and modern applications. It begins by introducing readers to the fundamental concepts of quantum field theory using the formalism of canonical quantization. A brief review of classical field theory seamlessly transitions readers to the quantization of classical fields. Real and complex scalar field theories, fermion field quantization, and gauge field quantization are covered in detail. It then discusses toy models of nuclear interactions before tackling the full Lagrangian for quantum electrodynamics (QED) and its renormalization. Readers are guided through the path integral formalism, starting from non-relativistic quantum mechanics, and extending it to quantum fields with infinite degrees of freedom. The Fadeev-Popov method for quantizing gauge fields and Grassman algebra for fermionic fields are also described. The book then focuses on quantum chromodynamics (QCD), with discussions on its path integral formulation, renormalization, and the role of topological solutions in non-abelian gauge theories. Finally, readers are presented with more advanced topics and contemporary applications of relativistic quantum field theory. The application of quantum chromodynamics to high-energy particle scattering is discussed with concrete examples for how to compute QCD scattering cross sections. Experimental evidence for the existence of quarks and gluons is then presented both within the context of the naive quark model and beyond. The author reviews our current understanding of the weak interaction, the unified electroweak theory, and the BroutHiggsEnglert mechanism for the generation of gauge boson masses. The final sections include a thorough introduction to finite temperature quantum field theory with concrete examples focusing on the high-temperature thermodynamics of scalar field theories, QED, and QCD. Each chapter also contains several examples and exercises.

In this enhanced and revised second edition, Dr. Strickland's original three-volume textbook on relativistic quantum field theory is consolidated into a single cohesive volume, enriched with additional chapters on quark-gluon plasma at a phenomenological level, effective field theory techniques that can be applied at finite temperature, and lattice field theory.

Serves as a comprehensive teaching source on the subject with detailed coverage of both fundamentals and advanced topics Includes contemporary applications of relativistic quantum field theory, such as to quark-gluon plasma and neutron stars Contains several examples and exercises in each chapter

Autorentext

Dr. Michael Strickland is a former professor of physics at Kent State University. His primary interest is the physics of the quark-gluon plasma (QGP) and high-temperature quantum field theory (QFT). Dr. Strickland has published research papers on various topics related to the QGP, quantum field theory, relativistic hydrodynamics, and many other topics. In addition, he has co-written a classic text on the physics of neural networks.

Inhalt

Chapter 1. Classical Field Theory.- Chapter 2. Quantization of free fields.- Chapter 3. Interacting field theories.- Chapter 4. Quantum Electrodynamics.- Chapter 5. Renormalization of Quantum Electrodynamics.- Chapter 6. Path integral formulation of quantum mechanics.- Chapter 7. Path integrals for scalar fields.- Chapter 8. Path integrals for fermionic fields.- Chapter 9. Path integrals for abelian gauge fields.- chapter 10. Groups and Lie groups.- Chapter 11. Path integral formulation of quantum chromodynamics.- Chapter 12. Renormalization of QCD.- Chapter 13. Topological objects in field theory.- Chapter 14. Lattice field theory.- Chapter 15. QCD Phenomenology.- Chapter 16. Weak interactions.- Chapter 17. Electroweak unification and the Higgs mechanism.- Chapter 18. Basics of finite temperature perturbation theory.- Chapter 19. Hard-thermal-loop resummation for QED and QCD.