A Pedestrian Approach to Quantum Field Theory

Written by a renowned professor of physics, this introductory text is geared toward graduate students taking a year-long course in quantum mechanics in which the third quarter is devoted to relativistic wave equations and field theory. Difficult concepts are introduced gradually, and the theory is applied to physically interesting problems.
After an introductory chapter on the formation of quantum mechanics, the treatment advances to examinations of the quantum theory of the free electromagnetic field, the interaction of radiation and matter, second quantization, the interaction of quantized fields, and quantum electrodynamics. Additional topics include the theory of beta decay, particles that interact among themselves, quasi particles in plasmas and metals, and the problem of infinities in quantum electrodynamics. The Appendix contains selected answers to problems that appear throughout the text.

ISBN-13: 9780486780221

Media Type: Paperback

Publisher: Dover Publications

Publication Date: 05-21-2014

Pages: 192

Product Dimensions: 5.40(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.60(d)

Age Range: 18 Years

Series: Dover Books on Physics

Edward G. Harris was a Benford Foundation Distinguished Professor of Physics. He taught at the University of Tennessee for 37 years and also served as a consultant to Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Table of Contents

1. The Formation of Quantum Mechanics
2. Quantum Theory of the Free Electromagnetic Field
3. Interaction of Radiation and Matter
4. Second Quantization
5. Interactiojn of Quantized Fields
6. Quantum Electrodynamics
7. The Theory of Beta Decay
8. Particles that Interact Among Themselves
9. Quasi particles in Plasmas and Metals
10. The Problem of Infinities in Quantum Electrodynamics
Appendix A Relativistic Wave Equations
Appendix B Details of the Calculation of the Klein-Nishina Cross Section
Appendix C Answers and Solutions to the Problems
Notes and References
Index Show More