Quantum Field Theory in Curved Spacetime and Black Hole Thermodynamics (Chicago Lectures in Physics) - Tapa dura

In this book, Robert Wald provides an introduction to the formulation of quantum field theory in curved spacetime. He begins with a treatment of the ordinary one-dimensional quantum harmonic oscillator, progresses through the construction of quantum field theory in flat spacetime to possible constructions of quantum field theory in curved spacetime, and, ultimately, to an algebraic formulation of the theory. The text disentangles the main features of the theory from inessential ones (such as a particle interpretation) and clarifies relationships between various approaches to the formulation of the theory. The author also provides an account of the Unruh effect, the Hawking effect and some of its ramifications. In particular, the subject of black-hole thermodynamics, which remains an active area of research, is treated in depth.

Robert M. Wald is professor of physics at the University of Chicago and the author of "General Relativity" and "Space, Time, and Gravity," also published by the University of Chicago Press.