Effective Field Theory For Spontaneously Broken Symmetry

The phenomenon of dynamical symmetry breaking (DSB) in quantum field theory is discussed in a detailed and comprehensive way. The deep connection between this phenomenon in condensed matter physics and particle physics is emphasized. The realizations of DSB in such realistic theories as quantum chromodynamics and electroweak theory are considered. Issues intimately connected with DSB such as critical phenomenona and effective lagrangian approach are also discussed.

This textbook covers the main topics in contemporary condensed matter physics in a modern and unified way, using quantum field theory in the functional-integral approach. The book highlights symmetry aspects in acknowledging that much of the collective behaviors of condensed matter systems at low temperatures emerge above a nontrivial ground state, which spontaneously breaks the symmetry.The emphasis is on effective field theories which provide an efficient and powerful description that is valid at long wavelengths and low frequencies. In conjunction with the emphasis on effective theories, a modern approach towards renormalization is taken, whereby a wavenumber cut-off is introduced to set a scale beyond which the microscopic model under consideration ceases to be valid. The unique and innovative character of this presentation, free of historical constraints, allows for a compact and self-contained treatment of the main topics in contemporary condensed matter physics.

Many courses on modern quantum field theory focus on the formulation and application of field theory, leaving topics related to symmetry underdeveloped. This leads to students often having an incomplete understanding of symmetries. Filling this gap, Symmetries and Symmetry Breaking in Field Theory sheds light on various aspects of symmetry in field theory. The book presents a broad selection of important topics, including constraint theory, generalized Pauli–Villars regularization, the measure approach to anomalies, zeta function regularization, and anomalous gauge theories. The author explains how some classical symmetries are broken by anomalies and how other symmetries of the theory are spontaneously broken. He discusses all of the ideas in as simple a way as possible.

This textbook covers the main topics in contemporary condensed matter physics in a modern and unified way, using quantum field theory in the functional-integral approach. The book highlights symmetry aspects in acknowledging that much of the collective behaviors of condensed matter systems at low temperatures emerge above a nontrivial ground state, which spontaneously breaks the symmetry. The emphasis is on effective field theories which provide an efficient and powerful description that is valid at long wavelengths and low frequencies. In conjunction with the emphasis on effective theories, a modern approach towards renormalization is taken, whereby a wavenumber cut-off is introduced to set a scale beyond which the microscopic model under consideration ceases to be valid. The unique and innovative character of this presentation, free of historical constraints, allows for a compact and self-contained treatment of the main topics in contemporary condensed matter physics.

This advanced, accessible textbook on effective field theories uses worked examples to bring this important topic to a wider audience.

This book is a collection of original papers on dynamical gauge symmetry breaking, and is intended for graduate students and researchers in theoretical physics (elementary particle physics and others) who have an understanding of basic quantum field theory. The book can serve as a research text for those requiring an introduction to dynamical gauge symmetry breaking and as a reference text for active researchers. The important papers in the field that are included deal with attempts to apply the ideas to realistic models of elementary particle interactions. A historical critique by the editors provides an introductory review.

A run-away bestseller from the moment it hit the market in late 1999. This impressive, thick softcover offers mathematicians and mathematical physicists the opportunity to learn about the beautiful and difficult subjects of quantum field theory and string theory. Cover features an intriguing cartoon that will bring a smile to its intended audience.