Classical theory of gauge fields / Valery Rubakov ; translated by Stephen S. Wilson.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Rubakov, V. A.

Contributor:

Wilson, Stephen S.

Standardized Title:

Klassicheskie kalibrovochnye poli͡a. English

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Gauge fields (Physics).

Physical Description:

1 online resource (457 p.)

Edition:

Course Book

Place of Publication:

Princeton, N.J. : Princeton University Press, c2002.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Based on a highly regarded lecture course at Moscow State University, this is a clear and systematic introduction to gauge field theory. It is unique in providing the means to master gauge field theory prior to the advanced study of quantum mechanics. Though gauge field theory is typically included in courses on quantum field theory, many of its ideas and results can be understood at the classical or semi-classical level. Accordingly, this book is organized so that its early chapters require no special knowledge of quantum mechanics. Aspects of gauge field theory relying on quantum mechanics are introduced only later and in a graduated fashion--making the text ideal for students studying gauge field theory and quantum mechanics simultaneously. The book begins with the basic concepts on which gauge field theory is built. It introduces gauge-invariant Lagrangians and describes the spectra of linear perturbations, including perturbations above nontrivial ground states. The second part focuses on the construction and interpretation of classical solutions that exist entirely due to the nonlinearity of field equations: solitons, bounces, instantons, and sphalerons. The third section considers some of the interesting effects that appear due to interactions of fermions with topological scalar and gauge fields. Mathematical digressions and numerous problems are included throughout. An appendix sketches the role of instantons as saddle points of Euclidean functional integral and related topics. Perfectly suited as an advanced undergraduate or beginning graduate text, this book is an excellent starting point for anyone seeking to understand gauge fields.

Contents:

Front matter

Contents

Preface

Part I

Chapter 1. Gauge Principle In Electrodynamics

Chapter 2. Scalar And Vector Fields

Chapter 3. Elements of the Theory of Lie Groups and Algebras

Chapter 4. Non-Abelian Gauge Fields

Chapter 5. Spontaneous Breaking of Global Symmetry

Chapter 6. Higgs Mechanism

Supplementary Problems for Part I

Part II

Chapter 7. The Simplest Topological Solitons

Chapter 8. Elements of Homotopy Theory

Chapter 9. Magnetic Monopoles

Chapter 10. Non-Topological Solitons

Chapter 11. Tunneling and Euclidean Classical Solutions in Quantum Mechanics

Chapter 12. Decay of a False Vacuum in Scalar Field Theory

Chapter 13. Instantons and Sphalerons in Gauge Theories

Supplementary Problems for Part II

Part III

Chapter 14. Fermions in Background Fields

Chapter 15. Fermions and Topological External Fields in Two-dimensional Models

Chapter 16. Fermions in Background Fields of Solitons and Strings in Four-Dimensional Space-Time

Chapter 17. Non-Conservation of Fermion Quantum Numbers in Four-dimensional Non-Abelian Theories

Supplementary Problems for Part III

Appendix Classical Solutions and the Functional Integral

Bibliography

Index

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 429-439) and index.

ISBN:

9786612159237

9781282159235

1282159232

9781400825097

1400825091

9781400814589

1400814588

OCLC:

609845343