Advanced Topics in Quantum Field Theory: A Lecture Course

ISBN-13: 9781108840422 / Angielski / Twarda / 2022 / 800 str.

Mikhail Shifman (University of Minnesota)

Opis

Quantum field theory is the basis of our modern description of physical phenomena at the fundamental level. This systematic and comprehensive text emphasizes nonperturbative phenomena and supersymmetry. It includes a thorough discussion of various phases of gauge theories, extended objects and their quantization, and global supersymmetry from a modern perspective. This Second Edition is revised to include topics developed in the last decade, including higher-form global symmetries and their applications, anomalies in supersymmetric theories beyond Ferrara–Zumino, and non-Abelian supersymmetric vortex strings. A new final part is added, presenting more than 90 problems with detailed solutions, allowing students to check their understanding of the acquired knowledge and providing extra details to supplement the main text descriptions. This an indispensable book for graduate students and researchers in theoretical physics.

Recenzje

'The author, one of the leading experts in nonperturbative QFT, presents his fascinating personal account of the subject. Because he does not cover the foundations of QFT but focuses exclusively on the advanced topics, he manages to cover the material in great breadth and depth. […] But despite the high level the text is still much more a textbook than a research monograph. […] I have never seen such a clear and elaborate treatment of nonperturbative QFT.' Thomas Peters, Contemporary Physics

Spis treści

Introduction; Part I. Before Supersymmetry: 1. Phases of gauge theories; 2. Kinks and domain walls; 3. Vortices and flux tubes (strings); 4. Monopoles and Skyrmions; 5. Instantons; 6. Isotropic (anti)ferromagnet: O(3) sigma model and extensions, including CP(N-1); 7. False-vacuum decay and related topics; 8. Chiral and other anomalies; 9. Confinement in 4D gauge theories and models in lower dimensions; Part II. Introduction to Supersymmetry: 10. Basics of supersymmetry with emphasis on gauge theories; 11. Supersymmetric solitons; Part III. Problems and Solutions; Index.