Quantum field theory (Q5917907)

In 2003 Sadovskii published a Russian edition of his lectures he has given over many years in Ekaterinburg providing a thorough introduction to the techniques of quantum field theory. The present book is a revised translation into English. It addresses students and researchers alike, working in other related subjects like condensed matter. In fact, it is an excellent textbook for a first encounter with the basic structure of QFT, though it avoids discussing the phenomenology of high-energy physics. Spontaneous symmetry breaking and the Goldstone theorem are described in detail. The Weinberg-Salam model and Yang-Mills fields are investigated. The renormalization group and the concept of asymptotic freedom are discussed. But the main aim then is to stress the analogies between QFT and modern condensed matter theory. The Standard Model of elementary particle physics is only briefly mentioned. One of the main ideas is to present the basics of perturbation theory in terms of Feynman diagrams, the mathematical description of gauge theory, and the fundaments of the path integral approach to quantum physics. Modern concepts like SUSY and string theory are not discussed. Also the treatment of non-perturbative semi-classical methods in terms of instantons and solitons is avoided. But for those who wish to explore the connections with condensed matter physics this book is ideal.