Quantum Chromodynamics on the Lattice: An Introductory Presentation

ISBN-13: 9783642260957 / Angielski / Miękka / 2012 / 343 str.

Christof Gattringer; Christian B. Lang

Opis

Quantum chromodynamics (QCD) is the fundamental quantum ?eld theory of quarks and gluons. In order to discuss it in a mathematically well-de?ned way, the theory has to be regularized. Replacing space time by a Euclidean lattice has proven to be an e?cient approach which allows for both theor- ical understanding and computational analysis. Lattice QCD has become a standard tool in elementary particle physics. Asthetitlealreadysays: thisbookisintroductory Thetextisintendedfor newcomerstothe?eld, servingasastartingpoint.Wesimplywantedtohavea bookwhichwecanputintothehandsofanadvancedstudentfora?rstreading on lattice QCD. This imaginary student brings as a prerequisite knowledge of higher quantum mechanics, some continuum quantum ?eld theory, and basic facts of elementary particle physics phenomenology. In view of the wealth of applications in current research the topics p- sented here are limited and we had to make some painful choices. We discuss QCD but omit most other lattice ?eld theory applications like scalar th- ries, gauge Higgs models, or electroweak theory. Although we try to lead the reader up to present day understanding, we cannot possibly address all on- ing activities, in particular concerning the role of QCD in electroweak theory. Subjects like glueballs, topological excitations, and approaches like chiral p- turbation theory are mentioned only brie?y. This allows us to cover the other topics quite explicitly, including detailed derivations of key equations. The ?eld is rapidly developing. The proceedings of the annual lattice conferences provide information on newer directions and up-to-date results."

The lattice formulation is at present the most successful approach to Quantum Chromodynamics - the theory of quarks and gluons. This book is intended for newcomers to the field and presents a clear and easy-to-follow path from the first principles all the way to actual calculations. It focusses on QCD and discusses mainly SU(3) lattice gauge theory, both with and without fermions. Numerical calculations in lattice field theory have now become the most effective approach for obtaining quantitative results, and thus three chapters include sections describing numerical techniques, as used in pure gauge theory, in quenched spectroscopy and in treating dynamical fermions.

Recenzje

From the reviews:

"This is a very nice and readable book on lattice gauge theories. It is conceived for non-specialists in the field and is quite self-contained. ... It is a modern, updated introduction to lattice gauge theory, very easy to consult and conceived in a modern way. This is an excellent textbook for students or anyone wishing to be introduced to the subject." (Giuseppe Nardelli, Mathematical Reviews, Issue 2010 k)

Spis treści

The path integral on the lattice.- The path integral on the lattice.- QCD on the lattice — a first look.- QCD on the lattice — a first look.- Pure gauge theory on the lattice.- Pure gauge theory on the lattice.- Numerical simulation of pure gauge theory.- Numerical simulation of pure gauge theory.- Fermions on the lattice.- Fermions on the lattice.- Hadron spectroscopy.- Hadron spectroscopy.- Chiral symmetry on the lattice.- Chiral symmetry on the lattice.- Dynamical fermions.- Dynamical fermions.- Symanzik improvement and RG actions.- Symanzik improvement and RG actions.- More about lattice fermions.- More about lattice fermions.- Hadron structure.- Hadron structure.- Temperature and chemical potential.- Temperature and chemical potential.

O autorze

Dr. Christian B. Lang lehrt und forscht als Professor für Theoretische Physik an der Universität Graz. Seine Arbeitsgebiete umfassen die Elementarteilchenphysik, Statistische Physik und Computational Physics.

Blurb

The lattice formulation is at present the most successful approach to Quantum Chromodynamics - the theory of quarks and gluons. This book is intended for newcomers to the field and presents a clear and easy-to-follow path from the first principles all the way to actual calculations. It focusses on QCD and discusses mainly SU(3) lattice gauge theory, both with and without fermions. Numerical calculations in lattice field theory have now become the most effective approach for obtaining quantitative results, and thus three chapters include sections describing numerical techniques, as used in pure gauge theory, in quenched spectroscopy and in treating dynamical fermions.