Author: Ilarion V. Melnikov
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3030050858
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 490
Book Description
This book introduces two-dimensional supersymmetric field theories with emphasis on both linear and non-linear sigma models. Complex differential geometry, in connection with supersymmetry, has played a key role in most developments of the last thirty years in quantum field theory and string theory. Both structures introduce a great deal of rigidity compared to the more general categories of non-supersymmetric theories and real differential geometry, allowing for many general conceptual results and detailed quantitative predictions. Two-dimensional (0,2) supersymmetric quantum field theories provide a natural arena for the fruitful interplay between geometry and quantum field theory. These theories play an important role in string theory and provide generalizations, still to be explored fully, of rich structures such as mirror symmetry. They also have applications to non-perturbative four-dimensional physics, for instance as descriptions of surface defects or low energy dynamics of solitonic strings in four-dimensional supersymmetric theories. The purpose of these lecture notes is to acquaint the reader with these fascinating theories, assuming a background in conformal theory, quantum field theory and differential geometry at the beginning graduate level. In order to investigate the profound relations between structures from complex geometry and field theory the text begins with a thorough examination of the basic structures of (0,2) quantum field theory and conformal field theory. Next, a simple class of Lagrangian theories, the (0,2) Landau-Ginzburg models, are discussed, together with the resulting renormalization group flows, dynamics, and symmetries. After a thorough introduction and examination of (0,2) non-linear sigma models, the text introduces linear sigma models that, in particular, provide a unified treatment of non-linear sigma models and Landau-Ginzburg theories. Many exercises, along with discussions of relevant mathematical notions and important open problems in the field, are included in the text.
An Introduction to Two-Dimensional Quantum Field Theory with (0,2) Supersymmetry
Author: Ilarion V. Melnikov
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3030050858
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 490
Book Description
This book introduces two-dimensional supersymmetric field theories with emphasis on both linear and non-linear sigma models. Complex differential geometry, in connection with supersymmetry, has played a key role in most developments of the last thirty years in quantum field theory and string theory. Both structures introduce a great deal of rigidity compared to the more general categories of non-supersymmetric theories and real differential geometry, allowing for many general conceptual results and detailed quantitative predictions. Two-dimensional (0,2) supersymmetric quantum field theories provide a natural arena for the fruitful interplay between geometry and quantum field theory. These theories play an important role in string theory and provide generalizations, still to be explored fully, of rich structures such as mirror symmetry. They also have applications to non-perturbative four-dimensional physics, for instance as descriptions of surface defects or low energy dynamics of solitonic strings in four-dimensional supersymmetric theories. The purpose of these lecture notes is to acquaint the reader with these fascinating theories, assuming a background in conformal theory, quantum field theory and differential geometry at the beginning graduate level. In order to investigate the profound relations between structures from complex geometry and field theory the text begins with a thorough examination of the basic structures of (0,2) quantum field theory and conformal field theory. Next, a simple class of Lagrangian theories, the (0,2) Landau-Ginzburg models, are discussed, together with the resulting renormalization group flows, dynamics, and symmetries. After a thorough introduction and examination of (0,2) non-linear sigma models, the text introduces linear sigma models that, in particular, provide a unified treatment of non-linear sigma models and Landau-Ginzburg theories. Many exercises, along with discussions of relevant mathematical notions and important open problems in the field, are included in the text.
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3030050858
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 490
Book Description
This book introduces two-dimensional supersymmetric field theories with emphasis on both linear and non-linear sigma models. Complex differential geometry, in connection with supersymmetry, has played a key role in most developments of the last thirty years in quantum field theory and string theory. Both structures introduce a great deal of rigidity compared to the more general categories of non-supersymmetric theories and real differential geometry, allowing for many general conceptual results and detailed quantitative predictions. Two-dimensional (0,2) supersymmetric quantum field theories provide a natural arena for the fruitful interplay between geometry and quantum field theory. These theories play an important role in string theory and provide generalizations, still to be explored fully, of rich structures such as mirror symmetry. They also have applications to non-perturbative four-dimensional physics, for instance as descriptions of surface defects or low energy dynamics of solitonic strings in four-dimensional supersymmetric theories. The purpose of these lecture notes is to acquaint the reader with these fascinating theories, assuming a background in conformal theory, quantum field theory and differential geometry at the beginning graduate level. In order to investigate the profound relations between structures from complex geometry and field theory the text begins with a thorough examination of the basic structures of (0,2) quantum field theory and conformal field theory. Next, a simple class of Lagrangian theories, the (0,2) Landau-Ginzburg models, are discussed, together with the resulting renormalization group flows, dynamics, and symmetries. After a thorough introduction and examination of (0,2) non-linear sigma models, the text introduces linear sigma models that, in particular, provide a unified treatment of non-linear sigma models and Landau-Ginzburg theories. Many exercises, along with discussions of relevant mathematical notions and important open problems in the field, are included in the text.
An Introduction To Quantum Field Theory
Author: Michael E. Peskin
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 0429983182
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 866
Book Description
An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory is a textbook intended for the graduate physics course covering relativistic quantum mechanics, quantum electrodynamics, and Feynman diagrams. The authors make these subjects accessible through carefully worked examples illustrating the technical aspects of the subject, and intuitive explanations of what is going on behind the mathematics. After presenting the basics of quantum electrodynamics, the authors discuss the theory of renormalization and its relation to statistical mechanics, and introduce the renormalization group. This discussion sets the stage for a discussion of the physical principles that underlie the fundamental interactions of elementary particle physics and their description by gauge field theories.
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 0429983182
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 866
Book Description
An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory is a textbook intended for the graduate physics course covering relativistic quantum mechanics, quantum electrodynamics, and Feynman diagrams. The authors make these subjects accessible through carefully worked examples illustrating the technical aspects of the subject, and intuitive explanations of what is going on behind the mathematics. After presenting the basics of quantum electrodynamics, the authors discuss the theory of renormalization and its relation to statistical mechanics, and introduce the renormalization group. This discussion sets the stage for a discussion of the physical principles that underlie the fundamental interactions of elementary particle physics and their description by gauge field theories.
Non-perturbative Methods in 2 Dimensional Quantum Field Theory
Author: Elcio Abdalla
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 9812810153
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 834
Book Description
The second edition of Non-Perturbative Methods in Two-Dimensional Quantum Field Theory is an extensively revised version, involving major changes and additions. Although much of the material is special to two dimensions, the techniques used should prove helpful also in the development of techniques applicable in higher dimensions. In particular, the last three chapters of the book will be of direct interest to researchers wanting to work in the field of conformal field theory and strings. This book is intended for students working for their PhD degree and post-doctoral researchers wishing to acquaint themselves with the non-perturbative aspects of quantum field theory. Contents: Free Fields; The Thirring Model; Determinants and Heat Kernels; Self-Interacting Fermionic Models; Nonlinear a Models: Classical Aspects; Nonlinear a Models OCo Quantum Aspects; Exact S-Matrices of 2D Models; The Wess-Zumino-Witten Theory; QED 2: Operator Approach; Quantum Chromodynamics; QED 2: Functional Approach; The Finite Temperature Schwinger Model; Non-Abelian Chiral Gauge Theories; Chiral Quantum Electrodynamics; Conformally Invariant Field Theory; Conformal Field Theory with Internal Symmetry; 2D Gravity and String-Related Topics. Readership: Graduate students and researchers in high energy and quantum physics."
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 9812810153
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 834
Book Description
The second edition of Non-Perturbative Methods in Two-Dimensional Quantum Field Theory is an extensively revised version, involving major changes and additions. Although much of the material is special to two dimensions, the techniques used should prove helpful also in the development of techniques applicable in higher dimensions. In particular, the last three chapters of the book will be of direct interest to researchers wanting to work in the field of conformal field theory and strings. This book is intended for students working for their PhD degree and post-doctoral researchers wishing to acquaint themselves with the non-perturbative aspects of quantum field theory. Contents: Free Fields; The Thirring Model; Determinants and Heat Kernels; Self-Interacting Fermionic Models; Nonlinear a Models: Classical Aspects; Nonlinear a Models OCo Quantum Aspects; Exact S-Matrices of 2D Models; The Wess-Zumino-Witten Theory; QED 2: Operator Approach; Quantum Chromodynamics; QED 2: Functional Approach; The Finite Temperature Schwinger Model; Non-Abelian Chiral Gauge Theories; Chiral Quantum Electrodynamics; Conformally Invariant Field Theory; Conformal Field Theory with Internal Symmetry; 2D Gravity and String-Related Topics. Readership: Graduate students and researchers in high energy and quantum physics."
Quantum Field Theory, Supersymmetry, and Enumerative Geometry
Author: Daniel S. Freed
Publisher: American Mathematical Soc.
ISBN: 0821834312
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 297
Book Description
This volume presents three weeks of lectures given at the Summer School on Quantum Field Theory, Supersymmetry, and Enumerative Geometry. With this volume, the Park City Mathematics Institute returns to the general topic of the first institute: the interplay between quantum field theory and mathematics.
Publisher: American Mathematical Soc.
ISBN: 0821834312
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 297
Book Description
This volume presents three weeks of lectures given at the Summer School on Quantum Field Theory, Supersymmetry, and Enumerative Geometry. With this volume, the Park City Mathematics Institute returns to the general topic of the first institute: the interplay between quantum field theory and mathematics.
N=2 Supersymmetric Dynamics for Pedestrians
Author: Yuji Tachikawa
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 331908822X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 236
Book Description
Understanding the dynamics of gauge theories is crucial, given the fact that all known interactions are based on the principle of local gauge symmetry. Beyond the perturbative regime, however, this is a notoriously difficult problem. Requiring invariance under supersymmetry turns out to be a suitable tool for analyzing supersymmetric gauge theories over a larger region of the space of parameters. Supersymmetric quantum field theories in four dimensions with extended N=2 supersymmetry are further constrained and have therefore been a fertile field of research in theoretical physics for quite some time. Moreover, there are far-reaching mathematical ramifications that have led to a successful dialogue with differential and algebraic geometry. These lecture notes aim to introduce students of modern theoretical physics to the fascinating developments in the understanding of N=2 supersymmetric gauge theories in a coherent fashion. Starting with a gentle introduction to electric-magnetic duality, the author guides readers through the key milestones in the field, which include the work of Seiberg and Witten, Nekrasov, Gaiotto and many others. As an advanced graduate level text, it assumes that readers have a working knowledge of supersymmetry including the formalism of superfields, as well as of quantum field theory techniques such as regularization, renormalization and anomalies. After his graduation from the University of Tokyo, Yuji Tachikawa worked at the Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton and the Kavli Institute for Physics and Mathematics of the Universe. Presently at the Department of Physics, University of Tokyo, Tachikawa is the author of several important papers in supersymmetric quantum field theories and string theory.
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 331908822X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 236
Book Description
Understanding the dynamics of gauge theories is crucial, given the fact that all known interactions are based on the principle of local gauge symmetry. Beyond the perturbative regime, however, this is a notoriously difficult problem. Requiring invariance under supersymmetry turns out to be a suitable tool for analyzing supersymmetric gauge theories over a larger region of the space of parameters. Supersymmetric quantum field theories in four dimensions with extended N=2 supersymmetry are further constrained and have therefore been a fertile field of research in theoretical physics for quite some time. Moreover, there are far-reaching mathematical ramifications that have led to a successful dialogue with differential and algebraic geometry. These lecture notes aim to introduce students of modern theoretical physics to the fascinating developments in the understanding of N=2 supersymmetric gauge theories in a coherent fashion. Starting with a gentle introduction to electric-magnetic duality, the author guides readers through the key milestones in the field, which include the work of Seiberg and Witten, Nekrasov, Gaiotto and many others. As an advanced graduate level text, it assumes that readers have a working knowledge of supersymmetry including the formalism of superfields, as well as of quantum field theory techniques such as regularization, renormalization and anomalies. After his graduation from the University of Tokyo, Yuji Tachikawa worked at the Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton and the Kavli Institute for Physics and Mathematics of the Universe. Presently at the Department of Physics, University of Tokyo, Tachikawa is the author of several important papers in supersymmetric quantum field theories and string theory.
Quantum Field Theory II
Author: Edouard B. Manoukian
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319338528
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 374
Book Description
This book takes a pedagogical approach to explaining quantum gravity, supersymmetry and string theory in a coherent way. It is aimed at graduate students and researchers in quantum field theory and high-energy physics. The first part of the book introduces quantum gravity, without requiring previous knowledge of general relativity (GR). The necessary geometrical aspects are derived afresh leading to explicit general Lagrangians for gravity, including that of general relativity. The quantum aspect of gravitation, as described by the graviton, is introduced and perturbative quantum GR is discussed. The Schwinger-DeWitt formalism is developed to compute the one-loop contribution to the theory and renormalizability aspects of the perturbative theory are also discussed. This follows by introducing only the very basics of a non-perturbative, background-independent, formulation of quantum gravity, referred to as “loop quantum gravity”, which gives rise to a quantization of space. In the second part the author introduces supersymmetry and its consequences. The generation of superfields is represented in detail. Supersymmetric generalizations of Maxwell’s Theory as well as of Yang-Mills field theory, and of the standard model are worked out. Spontaneous symmetry breaking, improvement of the divergence problem in supersymmetric field theory, and its role in the hierarchy problem are covered. The unification of the fundamental constants in a supersymmetric version of the standard model are then studied. Geometrical aspects necessary to study supergravity are developed culminating in the derivation of its full action. The third part introduces string theory and the analysis of the spectra of the mass (squared) operator associated with the oscillating strings. The properties of the underlying fields, associated with massless particles, encountered in string theory are studied in some detail. Elements of compactification, duality and D-branes are given, as well of the generation of vertices and interactions of strings. In the final sections, the author shows how to recover GR and the Yang-Mills field Theory from string theory.
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319338528
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 374
Book Description
This book takes a pedagogical approach to explaining quantum gravity, supersymmetry and string theory in a coherent way. It is aimed at graduate students and researchers in quantum field theory and high-energy physics. The first part of the book introduces quantum gravity, without requiring previous knowledge of general relativity (GR). The necessary geometrical aspects are derived afresh leading to explicit general Lagrangians for gravity, including that of general relativity. The quantum aspect of gravitation, as described by the graviton, is introduced and perturbative quantum GR is discussed. The Schwinger-DeWitt formalism is developed to compute the one-loop contribution to the theory and renormalizability aspects of the perturbative theory are also discussed. This follows by introducing only the very basics of a non-perturbative, background-independent, formulation of quantum gravity, referred to as “loop quantum gravity”, which gives rise to a quantization of space. In the second part the author introduces supersymmetry and its consequences. The generation of superfields is represented in detail. Supersymmetric generalizations of Maxwell’s Theory as well as of Yang-Mills field theory, and of the standard model are worked out. Spontaneous symmetry breaking, improvement of the divergence problem in supersymmetric field theory, and its role in the hierarchy problem are covered. The unification of the fundamental constants in a supersymmetric version of the standard model are then studied. Geometrical aspects necessary to study supergravity are developed culminating in the derivation of its full action. The third part introduces string theory and the analysis of the spectra of the mass (squared) operator associated with the oscillating strings. The properties of the underlying fields, associated with massless particles, encountered in string theory are studied in some detail. Elements of compactification, duality and D-branes are given, as well of the generation of vertices and interactions of strings. In the final sections, the author shows how to recover GR and the Yang-Mills field Theory from string theory.
Recent Progress In Statistical Mechanics And Quantum Field Theory
Author: H Saleur
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 9814549991
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 346
Book Description
The following topics were covered: the study of renormalization group flows between field theories using the methods of quantum integrability, S-matrix theory and the thermodynamic Bethe Ansatz; impurity problems approached both from the point of view of conformal field theory and quantum integrability. This includes the Kondo effect and quantum wires; solvable models with 1/r² interactions (Haldane-Shastri models). Yangian symmetries in 1/r² models and in conformal field theories; correlation functions in integrable 1+1 field theories; integrability in three dimensions; conformal invariance and the quantum hall effect; supersymmetry in statistical mechanics; and relations to two-dimensional Yang-Mills and QCD.
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 9814549991
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 346
Book Description
The following topics were covered: the study of renormalization group flows between field theories using the methods of quantum integrability, S-matrix theory and the thermodynamic Bethe Ansatz; impurity problems approached both from the point of view of conformal field theory and quantum integrability. This includes the Kondo effect and quantum wires; solvable models with 1/r² interactions (Haldane-Shastri models). Yangian symmetries in 1/r² models and in conformal field theories; correlation functions in integrable 1+1 field theories; integrability in three dimensions; conformal invariance and the quantum hall effect; supersymmetry in statistical mechanics; and relations to two-dimensional Yang-Mills and QCD.
An Introduction To Quantum Field Theory
Author: Michael E. Peskin
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 0429972105
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 866
Book Description
An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory is a textbook intended for the graduate physics course covering relativistic quantum mechanics, quantum electrodynamics, and Feynman diagrams. The authors make these subjects accessible through carefully worked examples illustrating the technical aspects of the subject, and intuitive explanations of what is going on behind the mathematics. After presenting the basics of quantum electrodynamics, the authors discuss the theory of renormalization and its relation to statistical mechanics, and introduce the renormalization group. This discussion sets the stage for a discussion of the physical principles that underlie the fundamental interactions of elementary particle physics and their description by gauge field theories.
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 0429972105
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 866
Book Description
An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory is a textbook intended for the graduate physics course covering relativistic quantum mechanics, quantum electrodynamics, and Feynman diagrams. The authors make these subjects accessible through carefully worked examples illustrating the technical aspects of the subject, and intuitive explanations of what is going on behind the mathematics. After presenting the basics of quantum electrodynamics, the authors discuss the theory of renormalization and its relation to statistical mechanics, and introduce the renormalization group. This discussion sets the stage for a discussion of the physical principles that underlie the fundamental interactions of elementary particle physics and their description by gauge field theories.
N=2 Wonderland, The: From Calabi-yau Manifolds To Topological Field Theories
Author: Pietro Fre
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 9814501360
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 484
Book Description
This book presents, in a unifying perspective, the topics related to N=2 supersymmetry in two dimensions. Beginning with the Kähler structure of D=4 supergravity Lagrangians, through the analysis of string compactifications on Calabi-Yau manifolds, one reaches the heart of the matter with the chiral ring structure of N=2 conformal field theories and its relation to topological field theory models and Landau-Ginzburg models. In addition, mirror symmetry, topological twists and Picard-Fuchs equations are discussed.
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 9814501360
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 484
Book Description
This book presents, in a unifying perspective, the topics related to N=2 supersymmetry in two dimensions. Beginning with the Kähler structure of D=4 supergravity Lagrangians, through the analysis of string compactifications on Calabi-Yau manifolds, one reaches the heart of the matter with the chiral ring structure of N=2 conformal field theories and its relation to topological field theory models and Landau-Ginzburg models. In addition, mirror symmetry, topological twists and Picard-Fuchs equations are discussed.
Statistical Approach to Quantum Field Theory
Author: Andreas Wipf
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 364233105X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 400
Book Description
Over the past few decades the powerful methods of statistical physics and Euclidean quantum field theory have moved closer together, with common tools based on the use of path integrals. The interpretation of Euclidean field theories as particular systems of statistical physics has opened up new avenues for understanding strongly coupled quantum systems or quantum field theories at zero or finite temperatures. Accordingly, the first chapters of this book contain a self-contained introduction to path integrals in Euclidean quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics. The resulting high-dimensional integrals can be estimated with the help of Monte Carlo simulations based on Markov processes. The most commonly used algorithms are presented in detail so as to prepare the reader for the use of high-performance computers as an “experimental” tool for this burgeoning field of theoretical physics. Several chapters are then devoted to an introduction to simple lattice field theories and a variety of spin systems with discrete and continuous spins, where the ubiquitous Ising model serves as an ideal guide for introducing the fascinating area of phase transitions. As an alternative to the lattice formulation of quantum field theories, variants of the flexible renormalization group methods are discussed in detail. Since, according to our present-day knowledge, all fundamental interactions in nature are described by gauge theories, the remaining chapters of the book deal with gauge theories without and with matter. This text is based on course-tested notes for graduate students and, as such, its style is essentially pedagogical, requiring only some basics of mathematics, statistical physics, and quantum field theory. Yet it also contains some more sophisticated concepts which may be useful to researchers in the field. Each chapter ends with a number of problems – guiding the reader to a deeper understanding of some of the material presented in the main text – and, in most cases, also features some listings of short, useful computer programs.
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 364233105X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 400
Book Description
Over the past few decades the powerful methods of statistical physics and Euclidean quantum field theory have moved closer together, with common tools based on the use of path integrals. The interpretation of Euclidean field theories as particular systems of statistical physics has opened up new avenues for understanding strongly coupled quantum systems or quantum field theories at zero or finite temperatures. Accordingly, the first chapters of this book contain a self-contained introduction to path integrals in Euclidean quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics. The resulting high-dimensional integrals can be estimated with the help of Monte Carlo simulations based on Markov processes. The most commonly used algorithms are presented in detail so as to prepare the reader for the use of high-performance computers as an “experimental” tool for this burgeoning field of theoretical physics. Several chapters are then devoted to an introduction to simple lattice field theories and a variety of spin systems with discrete and continuous spins, where the ubiquitous Ising model serves as an ideal guide for introducing the fascinating area of phase transitions. As an alternative to the lattice formulation of quantum field theories, variants of the flexible renormalization group methods are discussed in detail. Since, according to our present-day knowledge, all fundamental interactions in nature are described by gauge theories, the remaining chapters of the book deal with gauge theories without and with matter. This text is based on course-tested notes for graduate students and, as such, its style is essentially pedagogical, requiring only some basics of mathematics, statistical physics, and quantum field theory. Yet it also contains some more sophisticated concepts which may be useful to researchers in the field. Each chapter ends with a number of problems – guiding the reader to a deeper understanding of some of the material presented in the main text – and, in most cases, also features some listings of short, useful computer programs.