FIELD THEORY

Traditionally, field theory is taught through canonical quantization with a heavy emphasis on high energy physics. However, the techniques of field theory are applicable as well and are extensively used in various other areas of physics such as condensed matter, nuclear physics and statistical mechanics. The path integral approach brings out this feature most clearly. In this book, the path integral approach is developed in detail completely within the context of quantum mechanics. Subsequently, it is applied to various areas of physics.

Contents:

Introduction
Path Integrals and Quantum Mechanics
Harmonic Oscillator
Generating Functional
Path Integrals for Fermions
Supersymmetry
Semi-Classical Methods
Path Integral for the Double Well
Path Integral for Relativistic Theories
Effective Action
Invariances and Their Consequences
Systems at Finite Temperature
Ising Model

Readership: Mathematical physicists and high energy physicists.

“There is definitely a need in this area and this well written book more than fills the gap. For the uninitiated, it is very concise and is excellent introduction to advanced topics and tools of the trade in theoretical physics. For the practitioner, it provides many of the hidden derivations that are not contained in original papers and monographs.”

Ngee-Pong Chang

City College, New York

“While there are several books on this subject, this book by Prof Ashok Das presents a fresh, new approach. It starts with a very clear and cogent exposition of the path integral approach including methods of handling fermionic degrees of freedom and goes on to apply it to several important physical systems. The book has enough mathematical rigour and yet it easy to read and understand due to a masterful presentation. I wholeheartedly recommend the book to both graduate students as well as the advanced researchers in the field.”

R N Mohapatra
University Maryland

416pp		Pub. date: Nov 1993
ISBN: 978-981-02-1397-8(pbk) 981-02-1397-2(pbk)		US$51 / £38

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