Product Description

Gauge Theories in Particle Physics, Volume 1: From Relativistic Quantum Mechanics to QED, Third Edition introduces the three gauge theories of the standard model of particle physics: quantum electrodynamics (QED), quantum chromodynamics (QCD), and the electroweak theory. For each of them, the authors provide a thorough discussion of the main conceptual points, a detailed exposition of many practical calculations of physical quantities, and a comparison of these quantitative predictions with experimental results. This edition includes new introductory chapters, expanded treatment of relativistic quantum mechanics, and a self-contained introduction to quantum field dynamics as described by Feynman graphs.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #367178 in Books
• Published on: 2002-09-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 422 pages

From the Back Cover
Gauge Theories in Particle Physics, Volume 1: From Relativistic Quantum Mechanics to QED, Third Edition presents an accessible, practical, and comprehensive introduction to the three gauge theories of the standard model of particle physics: quantum electrodynamics (QED), quantum chromodynamics (QCD), and the electroweak theory. For each of them, the authors provide a thorough discussion of the main conceptual points, a detailed exposition of many practical calculations of physical quantities, and a comparison of these quantitative predictions with experimental results.

For this two-volume third edition, much of the book has been rewritten to reflect developments over the last decade, both in the curricula of university courses and in particle physics research. Substantial new material has been introduced that is intended for use in undergraduate physics courses. New introductory chapters provide a precise historical account of the properties of quarks and leptons, and a qualitative overview of the quantum field description of their interactions, at a level appropriate to third year courses. The chapter on relativistic quantum mechanics has been enlarged and is supplemented by additional sections on scattering theory and Green functions, in a form appropriate to fourth year courses. Since precision experiments now test the theories beyond lowest order in perturbation theory, an understanding of the data requires a more sophisticated knowledge of quantum field theory, including ideas of renormalization. The treatment of quantum field theory has therefore been considerably extended so as to provide a uniquely accessible and self-contained introduction to quantum field dynamics, as described by Feynman graphs. The level is suitable for advanced fourth year undergraduates and first year graduates.

These developments are all contained in the first volume, which ends with a discussion of higher order corrections in QED; the second volume is devoted to the non-Abelian gauge theories of QCD and the electroweak theory. As in the first two editions, emphasis is placed throughout on developing realistic calculations from a secure physical and conceptual basis.

Customer Reviews

QFT explained at last!
I have hesitated a while before writing this brief review because I am not a physicist.I do however have a deep interest in physics and a pretty good grasp of non-relativistic QM.My problem has been the difficult jump from the relativistic equations to an understanding of QFT.My large collection of[mostly `introductory`]texts on QFT rapidly become impenetrable.This wonderful book,which is very different from it`s earlier editions, isn`t and I really wanted to let other field tiros know about it.The key word is `accessible`.The book follows a clear and precise path from a qualitative introduction to the Standard Model,the concept of gauge and the relativistic equations through to canonical quantisation of the field,a scalar field model then simple processes in QED and beyond.Wick`s theorem and the Dyson expansion appear naturally and there are excellent appendices summarising NRQM,scattering,Green functions,complex integration etc.The typeface and layout are excellent and there are problems at the end of each chapter.One of my favourite aspects is the relatively informal style of writing.I always like this in academic texts.Parts of this book flow like a novel and it has accompanied me to the beach on holiday in Spain to advantage!

QFT explained at last!
I have hesitated a while before writing this brief review because I am not a physicist. I do however have a deep interest in physics and a pretty good grasp of non-relativistic QM. My problem has been the difficult jump from the relativistic equations to an understanding of QFT. My large collection [mostly `introductory`]texts on QFT rapidly become impenetrable. This wonderful book, which is very different from it`s earlier editions, isn`t and I really wanted to let other field tiros know about it. The key word is `accessible`. The book follows a clear and precise path from a qualitative introduction to the standard Model, the concept of gauge and the relativistic equations through to canonical quantisation of the field, a scalar field model then simple processes in QED and beyond. Wick`s theorem and the Dyson expansion appear naturally and there are excellent appendices summarising NRQM, scattering, Green functions,complex integration etc. The typeface and layout are excellent and there are problems at the end of each chapter. One of the best features is the relatively informal writing style. I like this in academic texts. Parts of this book read like a novel - it`s even accompanied me to a Spanish beach! Highly recommended.

Excellent introductory book
I found this book extremely useful as an introduction to QED, covering all of the necessary background theory, explained in an accessible manner.