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A Prelude to Quantum Field Theory
A concise, beginner-friendly introduction to quantum field theory
Quantum field theory is a powerful framework that extends quantum mechanics in ways that are essential in many modern applications. While it is the fundamental formalism for the study of many areas of physics, quantum field theory requires a different way of thinking, and many newcomers to the subject struggle with the transition from quantum mechanics. A Prelude to Quantum Field Theory introduces the key concepts of quantum field theory in a brief and accessible manner while never sacrificing mathematical rigor. The result is an easy-to-use textbook that distills the most general properties of the theory without overwhelming beginning students with more advanced applications.
Bridges quantum mechanics and quantum field theory, emphasizing analogies and differences
Emphasizes a "quantum field theoretical mindset" while maintaining mathematical rigor
Obtains quantum fields as the continuum limit of a quantized system of many particles
Highlights the correspondence between wave function--fundamental in quantum mechanics--and the formalism of second quantization used in quantum field theory
Provides a step-by-step derivation of Feynman rules for the perturbative study of interacting theories
Introduces students to renormalization, path integrals techniques, and more
Discusses more modern topics like effective field theories
Ideal for both undergraduate and graduate students
Proven in the classroom
Quantum field theory is a powerful framework that extends quantum mechanics in ways that are essential in many modern applications. While it is the fundamental formalism for the study of many areas of physics, quantum field theory requires a different way of thinking, and many newcomers to the subject struggle with the transition from quantum mechanics. A Prelude to Quantum Field Theory introduces the key concepts of quantum field theory in a brief and accessible manner while never sacrificing mathematical rigor. The result is an easy-to-use textbook that distills the most general properties of the theory without overwhelming beginning students with more advanced applications.
Bridges quantum mechanics and quantum field theory, emphasizing analogies and differences
Emphasizes a "quantum field theoretical mindset" while maintaining mathematical rigor
Obtains quantum fields as the continuum limit of a quantized system of many particles
Highlights the correspondence between wave function--fundamental in quantum mechanics--and the formalism of second quantization used in quantum field theory
Provides a step-by-step derivation of Feynman rules for the perturbative study of interacting theories
Introduces students to renormalization, path integrals techniques, and more
Discusses more modern topics like effective field theories
Ideal for both undergraduate and graduate students
Proven in the classroom
- GenresPhysics
160 pages, Hardcover
Published March 8, 2022
8 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
John Donoghue
14 books22 followersJohn Donoghue has worked in mental health for over twenty years and written numerous articles about the treatment of mental illness in a variety of medical journals. He is married and lives in Liverpool
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
September 10, 2023
Having approached QFT a number of times (both formally and individually), it's a nice change of pace to find a text that does not throw you into the deep end. Sure, the book doesn't discuss representations of the Lorentz group, nor does it give any rigorous derivations of LSZ or the spin-statistics theorem. However, it does calmly introduce the calculational power of QFT in a very logical manner, taking steps from the classic example of photons up to the perturbative expansion of scalar field theory.
This is the perfect book to bridge the gap following perturbation theory in quantum mechanics up to the general techniques of QFT. Paired with a more focused text like Ryder or Srednicki, one can follow the rationale behind the formal developments whilst appreciating the mathematical minutiae.
This is the perfect book to bridge the gap following perturbation theory in quantum mechanics up to the general techniques of QFT. Paired with a more focused text like Ryder or Srednicki, one can follow the rationale behind the formal developments whilst appreciating the mathematical minutiae.
April 9, 2022
This is a prelude i.e it explains Quantum Field Theory without getting into the intricate solutions to problems. The language is simple. The pre-requisite is undergraduate Quantum Mechanics preparing one for the QFT. I strongly recommend this book to final year undergraduates as well as the layperson interested in QFT.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews