Introduction to Classical and Quantum Field Theory (Physics Textbook)

This is the first introductory textbook on quantum field theory to be written from the point of view of condensed matter physics. As such, it presents the basic concepts and techniques of statistical field theory, clearly explaining how and why they are integrated into modern (and classical) field theory, and includes the latest developments. Written by an expert in the field, with a broad experience in teaching and training, it manages to present such substantial topics as phases and phase transitions or solitons and instantons in an accessible and concise way. Divided into two parts, the first covers fundamental physics and the mathematics background needed by students in order to enter the field, while the second part discusses applications of quantum field theory to a few basic problems. The emphasis here lies on how modern concepts of quantum field theory are embedded in these approaches, and also on the limitations of standard quantum field theory techniques in facing 'real' physics problems. Throughout, there are numerous end-of-chapter problems, and a free solutions manual is available for lecturers.

Tai-Kai Ng received his Ph.D. degree from Northwestern University, USA, in 1987. In 2001, he accepted a post as Full Professor of Physics at the Hongkong University of Science and Technology, which he still holds. Before that, he held positions at various institutes, among them the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and AT&T Bell Labs. Besides teaching at HUST, Professor Ng is also involved in secondary and primary school science education, mostly by training school teachers in Investigative Studies in physics. His research interests include many-body physics and applications of Quantum Field Theory to condensed matter physics. Professor Ng is a member of the American Physical Society.

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