Quantum field theory is the theory of many-particle quantum systems. Just as quantum mechanics describes a single particle as both a particle and a wave, quantum field theory describes many-particle systems in terms of both particles and fields. The study of phase transitions using field theory has become a unifying theme across most areas of physics.

This second volume explores gauge theories and the renormalization group, with subsequent introductions to large-N methods, solitons and instantons, anomalies and finite-temperature field theory. Methods for the determination of the phase structure of field theories is a key theme of this book. This volume builds on the first and includes more references to original literature whilst exploring the central role field theory plays in modern physics. Graduate students studying particle, nuclear, and condensed matter physics are the key audience for this volume.

Key Features

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  Emphasizes key concepts and techniques of field theory common across particle physics, nuclear physics, condensed matter physics and cosmology.

  
  


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  Examples and problems from many areas of modern physics.

  
  


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  Each chapter includes worked examples and exercises within the main body of the text, with more substantial problems at the end of each chapter.