Editors: Takehisa Fujita, Naohiro Kanda

Fundamental Problems in Quantum Field Theory

eBook: US $39 Special Offer (PDF + Printed Copy): US $129
Printed Copy: US $110
Library License: US $156
ISBN: 978-1-60805-755-9 (Print)
ISBN: 978-1-60805-754-2 (Online)
Year of Publication: 2013
DOI: 10.2174/97816080575591130101

Introduction

Quantum physics is based on four fundamental interactions of electromagnetic, weak, gravitational and strong forces. All the interactions are expressed in terms of fermion and boson fields which can describe the quantum states of electrons, nucleons and photons in atoms or nuclei. Correct behaviors of these particles can now be described by the basic field theory terminology, and this textbook explains, for the first time, quantum field theory in a unifying method.

At present, modern quantum theory is at a critical junction between different theories, and this textbook presents a clear description of fundamental quantum fields with a sound theoretical framework. No exotic theoretical concepts such as general relativity nor spontaneous symmetry breaking nor quantum anomaly are adopted in this textbook, and indeed all the observed physical quantities can be well understood within the standard field theory framework without introducing any non-physical particles or fields.

From this textbook, readers will be guided through a concrete future direction of quantum field theory and will learn how the motion of electrons in any kind of material can be understood in terms of fields or state vectors. Readers will also learn about application of basic field theory in quantum chemistry, quantum biology and so on.

Fundamental Problems in Quantum Field Theory is a handy resource for undergraduate and graduate students as well as supervisors involved in advanced courses in quantum physics.

Foreword

The inherent purpose of a textbook is to teach the reader the basics of a topic, but ideally, also to inspire a learner to seek further knowledge. Memorizing the contents of textbooks, along with analytical thinking, is without argument an important component of higher education. For readers with some knowledge of physics, this book will make the reader think beyond the boundaries of current knowledge, about what physics is and may suggest a different view from what they have learnt from other textbooks, ”What are the differences?” ”Why?” Such serious contemplation is the first step in an intrinsic approach to physics.

To discover something truly new, it is important not only to enrich one’s own knowledge but keep an open mind and pursue answers to the Why’s, Why not’s, and discover the How’s. Sometimes such innovative thinkers may appear as if they are slow learners. They think and contemplate for a long time. It is, however, from among such people who engage in deep thought that new ideas in Science are born. Pierre Curie was a poetic physicist. A so-called dropout, refused by schools, he spent his childhood immersed in Nature yet he became a rare physicist who formulated principles on symmetry, piezo-electricity and magnetism - approaching the essence of Nature. Curie also discovered radium and found an application for radioactivity.

I believe that this is a book that will challenge the reader, and it is my hope, the reader, in being challenged, will be inspired to seek new answers in physics.

Hideaki Koizumi
Fellow and Corporate Officer
Hitachi, Ltd.


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