Gauge theory. An introduction into differential geometry on fibre bundles (Q2438623)

This textbook provides in an attractive and rigorous manner, an introduction to the differential geometry of fiber bundles. After a chapter on Lie groups and homogeneous spaces, it deals with locally trivial fibrations -- in particular principal fiber bundles and their associated vector bundles. Then, it describes the main concepts of differential calculus on fiber bundles: connections, curvature, parallel transport and covariant derivative; a comprehensive presentation of holonomy groups is included as well. The theory is further applied to deal with characteristic classes and Yang-Mills equations. The numerous problems accompanied by solutions or hints, an index of notations, an index of terms and an extensive bibliography, all aim to consolidate the understanding of the topic. The book targets as main audience the students whose subjects of study are mathematics and physics. All in all, it represents an excellent primary source for learning the mathematical foundations of gauge field theory.