The Cauchy data space formulation of classical field theory (Q1063917)

Quantization in relativistic field theories occurs with the Hamiltonian formulation of the theory. This involves a splitting of the space and time variables. The Lagrangian formalism has the advantage of unifying the space and time variables thus presenting an intrinsic formulation of the theory. As is well known the Legendre transformation provides the key to passing from one theory to the other. The author presents an elegant account of this in a setting of modern differential geometry. Particular reference is made to the Cauchy problem.