Introduction to Quantum Effects in Gravity
Cambridge University Press, 6/14/2007
EAN 9780521868341, ISBN10: 0521868343
Hardcover, 284 pages, 24.7 x 17.4 x 1.9 cm
Language: English
This book, first published in 2007, is an introductory textbook on quantum field theory in gravitational backgrounds intended for undergraduate and beginning graduate students in the fields of theoretical astrophysics, cosmology, particle physics, and string theory. The book covers the basic (but essential) material of quantization of fields in an expanding universe and quantum fluctuations in inflationary spacetime. It also contains a detailed explanation of the Casimir, Unruh, and Hawking effects, and introduces the method of effective action used for calculating the back-reaction of quantum systems on a classical external gravitational field. The broad scope of the material covered will provide the reader with a thorough perspective of the subject. Every major result is derived from first principles and thoroughly explained. The book is self-contained and assumes only a basic knowledge of general relativity. Exercises with detailed solutions are provided throughout the book.
Preface
Part I. Canonical Quantization and Particle Production
1. Overview
a taste of quantum fields
2. Reminder
Classical and quantum theory
3. Driven harmonic oscillator
4. From harmonic oscillators to fields
5. Reminder
Classical fields
6. Quantum fields in expanding universe
7. Quantum fields in the de Sitter universe
8. Unruh effect
9. Hawking effect. Thermodynamics of black holes
10. The Casimir effect
Part II. Path Integrals and Vacuum Polarization
11. Path integrals
12. Effective action
13. Calculation of heat kernel
14. Results from effective action
Appendices
Index.