Digestible Quantum Field Theory

2017 | Science & Mathematics

This book gives an intermediate level treatment of quantum field theory, appropriate to a reader with a first degree in physics and a working knowledge of special relativity and quantum mechanics. It aims to give the reader a heuristic understanding of what QFT is all about, without delving deep into actual calculations of Feynman diagrams or similar. The author serves up a five-course menu, which begins with a brief introductory Aperitif. This is followed by the Hors d'oeuvres, which set the scene with a broad survey of the Universe, its theoretical description, and how the ideas of QFT developed during the last century. In the next course, the Art of Cooking, the author recaps on some basic facts of analytical mechanics, relativity, quantum mechanics and also presents some nutritious "extras" in mathematics (group theory at the elementary level) and in physics (theory of scattering). After these preparations, the reader should have a good appetite for the Entrees - the central part of the book where the Standard Model is described and explained.

The Dessert is devoted to supersymmetry (a very beautiful theory that is still awaiting a direct experimental confirmation) and to the mystery of quantum gravity.

Andrei Smilga (Author)