Fradkin, Eduardo Quantum Field Theory (0691149089)

The only graduate-level textbook on quantum field theory that fully integrates perspectives from high-energy, condensed-matter, and statistical physics

Quantum field theory was originally developed to describe quantum electrodynamics and other fundamental problems in high-energy physics, but today has become an invaluable conceptual and mathematical framework for addressing problems across physics, including in condensed-matter and statistical physics. With this expansion of applications has come a new and deeper understanding of quantum field theory—yet this perspective is still rarely reflected in teaching and textbooks on the subject. Developed from a year-long graduate course Eduardo Fradkin has taught for years to students of high-energy, condensed-matter, and statistical physics, this comprehensive textbook provides a fully 'multicultural' approach to quantum field theory, covering the full breadth of its applications in one volume.

• Brings together perspectives from high-energy, condensed-matter, and statistical physics in both the main text and exercises
• Takes students from basic techniques to the frontiers of physics
• Pays special attention to the relation between measurements and propagators and the computation of cross sections and response functions
• Focuses on renormalization and the renormalization group, with an emphasis on fixed points, scale invariance, and their role in quantum field theory and phase transitions
• Other topics include non-perturbative phenomena, anomalies, and conformal invariance
• Features numerous examples and extensive problem sets
• Also serves as an invaluable resource for researchers