The Quantum Theory of Fields: Volume 1, Foundations

In The Quantum Theory of Fields, Nobel Laureate Steven Weinberg combines his exceptional physical insight with his gift for clear exposition to provide a self-contained, comprehensive, and up-to-date introduction to quantum field theory. Volume I introduces the foundations of quantum field theory. The development is fresh and logical throughout, with each step carefully motivated by what has gone before, and emphasizing the reasons why such a theory should describe nature. After a brief historical outline, the book begins anew with the principles about which we are most certain, relativity and quantum mechanics, and the properties of particles that follow from these principles. Quantum field theory then emerges from this as a natural consequence. The classic calculations of quantum electrodynamics are presented in a thoroughly modern way, showing the use of path integrals and dimensional regularization. The account of renormalization theory reflects the changes in our view of quantum field theory since the advent of effective field theories. The books scope extends beyond quantum electrodynamics to elementary particle physics and nuclear physics. It contains much original material, and is peppered with examples and insights drawn from the authors experience as a leader of elementary particle research. Problems are included at the end of each chapter. A second volume (published September 1996) describes the modern applications of quantum field theory in todays standard model of elementary particles, and in some areas of condensed matter physics.

Contents

Preface; 1. Historical introduction; 2. Relativistic quantum mechanics; 3. Scattering theory; 4. The cluster decomposition principle; 5. Quantum fields and antiparticles; 6. The Feynman rules; 7. The canonical formalism; 8. Massless particles: electrodynamics; 9. Path integral methods; 10. Nonperturbative methods; 11. One-loop radiative corrections in quantum electrodynamics; 12. General renormalization theory; 13. Infrared effects; 14. Bound states in external fields; Subject index; Author index.