Relativistic Quantum Physics: From Advanced Quantum Mechanics to Introductory Quantum Field Theory

Description

Quantum physics and special relativity theory were two of the greatest breakthroughs in physics during the twentieth century and contributed to paradigm shifts in physics. This book combines these two discoveries to provide a complete description of the fundamentals of relativistic quantum physics, guiding the reader effortlessly from relativistic quantum mechanics to basic quantum field theory. The book gives a thorough and detailed treatment of the subject, beginning with the classification of particles, the Klein-Gordon equation and the Dirac equation. It then moves on to the canonical quantization procedure of the Klein-Gordon, Dirac and electromagnetic fields. Classical Yang-Mills theory, the LSZ formalism, perturbation theory, elementary processes in QED are introduced, and regularization, renormalization and radiative corrections are explored. With exercises scattered through the text and problems at the end of most chapters, the book is ideal for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in theoretical physics.

Tommy Ohlsson is a Professor in Theoretical Physics at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Sweden. His main research field is theoretical particle physics, especially neutrino physics and physics beyond the Standard Model.

'I have previously found no texts which give a clear and full exposition of the calculation of the electrodynamic cross-sections using tools generated in this field, so I had to develop my own. However, this text describes in reasonable detail these calculations for many of the two-body leptonic interactions. Since such calculations are the ultimate goal of this subject, their inclusion is, in my opinion, highly commendable. ... The questions and exercises in the book are relevant and instructive and a valuable asset to a lecturer or student in this field. ... I would recommend this book highly as a course text. ... It would certainly be useful to anyone familiar with the field who would value a reference and compendium of the arguments and formalism.' The Observatory '... thorough and very detailed ... The book is ideal for final year undergraduate students in physics and first year graduate students in physics or theoretical physics. I recommend this book for its self-contained technical treatment on relativistic quantum mechanics, introductory quantum field theory and the step in between, i.e. it can fill the gap between advanced quantum mechanics and quantum field theory.' Contemporary Physics '... a thorough and very detailed mathematical treatment of the subject ... is ideal for final year undergraduate students in physics and first year graduate students in physics or theoretical physics. I recommend this book for its self-contained technical treatment on relativistic quantum mechanics, introductory quantum field theory and the step between, i.e. it can fill the gap between advanced quantum mechanics and quantum field theory.' Contemporary Physics