Gravitation, gauge theories and the early universe (Q1188901)

The articles of this volume will not be indexed individually. The book is based on the lectures at a special instructional conference for students and research workers. The content of the book is carefully worked out for the mutual education of both groups. It is pedagogical in style and self-contained in several interrelated areas of physics which have become extremely important in present-day theoretical research: particle physics, general relativity, astrophysics and cosmology. The articles begin with an introduction to general relativity and cosmology as well as particle physics and quantum field theory. This is followed by reviews of the standard gauge models of high-energy physics, renormalization group and grand unified theories. The concluding parts of the book comprise discussions in current research topics such as problems of the early universe, quantum cosmology and new directions towards a unification of gravitation with other forces. Special concise treatments of mathematical topics of direct relevance are also included. The academic level of the book is high; it is no elementary introductionary text. But advanced students will quickly find the right steps to become familiar with the great spectrum of themes. Research workers will see their topic in a general context and learn much about the different subjects.