Finite-Temperature Field Theory: Principles and Applications (Cambridge Monographs on Mathematical Physics)
Cambridge University Press
Edition: 2, 8/3/2006
EAN 9780521820820, ISBN10: 0521820820
Hardcover, 442 pages, 25.4 x 17.8 x 2.5 cm
Language: English
The 2006 second edition of this book develops the basic formalism and theoretical techniques for studying relativistic quantum field theory at high temperature and density. Specific physical theories treated include QED, QCD, electroweak theory, and effective nuclear field theories of hadronic and nuclear matter. Topics include: functional integral representation of the partition function, diagrammatic expansions, linear response theory, screening and plasma oscillations, spontaneous symmetry breaking, Goldstone theorem, resummation and hard thermal loops, lattice gauge theory, phase transitions, nucleation theory, quark-gluon plasma, and color superconductivity. Applications to astrophysics and cosmology cover white dwarf and neutron stars, neutrino emissivity, baryon number violation in the early universe, and cosmological phase transitions. Applications to relativistic nucleus-nucleus collisions are also included. The book is written for theorists in elementary particle physics, nuclear physics, astrophysics, and cosmology. Problems are given at the end of each chapter, and numerous references to the literature are included.
1. Review of quantum statistical mechanics
2. Functional integral representation of the partition function
3. Interactions and diagrammatic techniques
4. Renormalisation
5. Quantum electrodynamics
6. Linear response theory
7. Spontaneous symmetry breaking and restoration
8. Quantum chromodynamics
9. Resummation and hard thermal loops
10. Lattice gauge theory
11. Dense nuclear matter
12. Hot hadronic matter
13. Nucleation theory
14. Heavy ion collisions
15. Weak interactions
16. Astrophysics and cosmology
Conclusion
Appendix.
Review of the hardback: Praise for the first edition: '... an excellent introduction to the subject ... Overall, this is still the only modern work in this area and it is the best place to start from.' T. S. Evans, Contemporary Physics