Quantum Field Theory and Critical Phenomena
Jean Zinn-Justin
Abstract
The book is an introduction to quantum field theory and renormalization group. It shows that these frameworks are essential for the understanding of phenomena belonging to many different areas of physics, which range from phase transitions in macroscopic systems to the theory of fundamental interactions. This book emphasizes the common aspects of particle physics and the theory of critical phenomena in a unified framework. Three new chapters have been included in this edition: an introduction to non-relativistic quantum statistical physics; a chapter on critical phenomena in non-magnetic syste ... More
The book is an introduction to quantum field theory and renormalization group. It shows that these frameworks are essential for the understanding of phenomena belonging to many different areas of physics, which range from phase transitions in macroscopic systems to the theory of fundamental interactions. This book emphasizes the common aspects of particle physics and the theory of critical phenomena in a unified framework. Three new chapters have been included in this edition: an introduction to non-relativistic quantum statistical physics; a chapter on critical phenomena in non-magnetic systems, polymers, liquid-vapour, and helium superfluid transitions; and a chapter on finite temperature relativistic quantum field theory. The book can be roughly divided into four parts: chapters 1-12 deal with general field theory, functional integrals, and functional methods. In chapters 13-21, renormalization properties of theories with symmetries are studied and specific applications to particle physics are emphasized. Chapters 23-37 are devoted to critical phenomena. Chapters 39-43 describe the role of instantons in quantum mechanics and field theory.
Keywords:
critical phenomena,
non-magnetic systems,
polymers,
liquid-vapour,
helium superfluid transitions,
finite temperature
Bibliographic Information
| Print publication date: 2002 |
Print ISBN-13: 9780198509233 |
| Published to Oxford Scholarship Online: January 2010 |
DOI:10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198509233.001.0001 |
Authors
Affiliations are at time of print publication.
Jean Zinn-Justin, author
CEA/Saclay, Service de Physique Theorique, Gif sur Yvette, France
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