Current Topics In Quantum Field Theory Research

Quantum field theory was invented to deal simultaneously with special relativity and quantum mechanics, the two greatest discoveries of early twentieth-century physics, but it has become increasingly important to many areas of physics including quantum hall physics, surface growth, string theory, D-branes and quantum gravity as well as condensed-matter and high-energy applications and particle-physics. This important book presents leading-edge research from throughout the world.

Since the advent of Yang–Mills theories and supersymmetry in the 1970s, quantum field theory - the basis of the modern description of physical phenomena at the fundamental level - has undergone revolutionary developments. This is the first systematic and comprehensive text devoted specifically to modern field theory, bringing readers to the cutting edge of current research. The book 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. Featuring extensive cross-referencing from traditional topics to recent breakthroughs in the field, it prepares students for independent research. The side boxes summarizing the main results and over 70 exercises make this an indispensable book for graduate students and researchers in theoretical physics.

A rigorous and self-contained text reviewing the fundamentals of quantum field theory and exploring advanced topics and modern techniques.

Since the advent of Yang–Mills theories and supersymmetry in the 1970s, quantum field theory - the basis of the modern description of physical phenomena at the fundamental level - has undergone revolutionary developments. This is the first systematic and comprehensive text devoted specifically to modern field theory, bringing readers to the cutting edge of current research. The book 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. Featuring extensive cross-referencing from traditional topics to recent breakthroughs in the field, it prepares students for independent research. The side boxes summarizing the main results and over 70 exercises make this an indispensable book for graduate students and researchers in theoretical physics.

"Provides a broad and accessible introduction to quantum field theory and the Standard Model of particle physics, adopting a distinctive pedagogical approach with clear intuitive explanations to complement the mathematical exposition. Includes topics of current research both within and beyond the Standard Model"--

This is an approachable introduction to the important topics and recent developments in the field of condensed matter physics. First, the general language of quantum field theory is developed in a way appropriate for dealing with systems having a large number of degrees of freedom. This paves the way for a description of the basic processes in such systems. Applications include various aspects of superfluidity and superconductivity, as well as a detailed description of the fractional quantum Hall liquid.

This book provides an introduction to the current state of our knowledge about the structure of matter. Gerhard Ecker describes the development of modern physics from the beginning of the quantum age to the standard model of particle physics, the fundamental theory of interactions of the microcosm. The focus lies on the most important discoveries and developments, e.g. of quantum field theory, gauge theories and the future of particle physics. The author also emphasizes the interplay between theory and experiment, which helps us to explore the deepest mysteries of nature. "Particles, Fields, Quanta" is written for everyone who enjoys physics. It offers high school graduates and students of physics in the first semesters an encouragement to understand physics more deeply. Teachers and others interested in physics will find useful insights into the world of particle physics. For advanced students, the book can serve as a comprehensive preparation for lectures on particle physics and quantum field theory. A brief outline of the mathematical structures, an index of persons with research focuses and a glossary for quick reference of important terms such as gauge theory, spin and symmetry complete the book. From the foreword by Michael Springer: “The great successes and the many open questions this book describes illustrate how immensely complicated nature is and nevertheless how much we already understand of it.” The author Gerhard Ecker studied theoretical physics with Walter Thirring at the University of Vienna. His research focus has been on theoretical particle physics, in particular during several long-term visits at CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research in Geneva. In 1986 he was promoted to Professor of Theoretical Physics at the University of Vienna. Since 1977 he has given both basic lectures in theoretical physics and advanced courses on different topics in particle physics, e.g., quantum field theory, symmetry groups in particle physics and renormalisation in quantum field theory.

This book presents and discusses current research in the field of quantum physics. Chapter One reviews the impact of quantum field theory on the feasibility of local causal models of quantum theory. Chapter Two examines the uncertainty principle and minimal length at all energy scales and some of its implications. Chapter Three shows that the study of graphene physics is a versatile problem, from which we can extract important lessons on condensed matter and quantum field theory, ranging from the concept of emergent phenomenology to relativistic quantum fields and Feynman propagators.