Classical Field Theory : On Electrodynamics, Non-Abelian Gauge Theories and Gravitation / by Florian Scheck.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Scheck, Florian., Author.

Series:

Graduate Texts in Physics, 1868-4513

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Mathematical physics.

Gravitation.

Physics.

Theoretical, Mathematical and Computational Physics.

Classical and Quantum Gravitation, Relativity Theory.

Mathematical Methods in Physics.

Local Subjects:

Theoretical, Mathematical and Computational Physics.

Classical and Quantum Gravitation, Relativity Theory.

Mathematical Methods in Physics.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (442 p.)

Edition:

1st ed. 2012.

Place of Publication:

Berlin, Heidelberg : Springer Berlin Heidelberg : Imprint: Springer, 2012.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

The book describes Maxwell's equations first in their integral, directly testable form, then moves on to their local formulation. The first two chapters cover all essential properties of Maxwell's equations, including their symmetries and their covariance in a modern notation. Chapter 3 is devoted to Maxwell theory as a classical field theory and to solutions of the wave equation. Chapter 4 deals with important applications of Maxwell theory. It includes topical subjects such as metamaterials with negative refraction index and solutions of Helmholtz' equation in paraxial approximation relevant for the description of laser beams. Chapter 5 describes non-Abelian gauge theories from a classical, geometric point of view, in analogy to Maxwell theory as a prototype, and culminates in an application to the U(2) theory relevant for electroweak interactions. The last chapter 6 gives a concise summary of semi-Riemannian geometry as the framework for the classical field theory of gravitation. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the Schwarzschild solution of Einstein's equations and the classical tests of general relativity (perihelion precession of Mercury, and light deflection by the sun). ------ Textbook features: detailed figures, worked examples, problems and solutions, boxed inserts, highlighted special topics, highlighted important math etc., helpful summaries, appendix, index.

Contents:

Maxwell's Equations

Symmetries and Covariance of Maxwell's Equations

Maxwell Theory as a Classical Field Theory

Some Applications of Maxwell Theory

Local Gauge Theories

Classical Field Theory of Gravitation.

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

3-642-27985-6

OCLC:

801366228