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Edouard B. Manoukian

Quantum Field Theory II


Introductions to Quantum Gravity, Supersymmetry and String Theory
Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 2016. 2018. xv, 364 S. 30 SW-Abb. 235 mm
Verlag/Jahr: SPRINGER, BERLIN; SPRINGER INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHING 2018
ISBN: 3-319-81617-9 (3319816179)
Neue ISBN: 978-3-319-81617-3 (9783319816173)

Preis und Lieferzeit: Bitte klicken


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.
Preface.- Introduction to Quantum Gravity.- Introduction to Supersymmetry.- Introduction to String Theory.- Appendices.- Solutions to the Problems.- Index.
"The book qualifies as a very valuable addition to the quantum field theory literature with the distinctive merit of presenting quantum gravity, supersymmetry and string theory in a clear way accessible to graduate students and likely useful also to researchers in quantum field theory and elementary particle theory." (Franco Strocchi, zbMATH 1377.81002, 2018)
"It makes for quite a clear book, both physically and mathematically; it sells itself. There are about 50-60 references at the end of each chapter. It could also be used as a text for an advanced course. There are numerous exercises with some solutions at the end of the book. It is a pleasure to read, and it is recommend it to anyone interested in particle physics and gravity." (Paul F. Bracken, Mathematical Reviews, May, 2017)