Field Theory: A Path Integral Approach

Description

This unique book describes quantum field theory completely within the context of path integrals. With its utility in a variety of fields in physics, the subject matter is primarily developed within the context of quantum mechanics before going into specialized areas. All the existing chapters of the previous edition have been expanded for more clarity. The chapter on anomalies and the Schwinger model has been completely rewritten for better logical clarity. Two new chapters have been added at the request of students and faculty worldwide. The first describes Schwinger's proper time method with simple examples both at zero and at finite temperature while the second develops the idea of zeta function regularization with simple examples. This latest edition is a comprehensive and much expanded version of the original text. Dedication Preface to the First Edition Preface to the Second Edition Preface to the Third Edition Contents 1 Introduction 2 Path integrals and quantum mechanics 3 Harmonic oscillator 4 Generating functional 5 Path integrals for fermions 6 Supersymmetry 7 Semi-classical methods 8 Path integral for the double well 9 Path integral for relativistic theories 10 Effective action 11 Invariances and their consequences 12 Gauge theories 13 Anomalies 14 Systems at finite temperature 15 Ising model 16 Proper time formalism 17 Zeta function regularization Index