Overview

Bringing together the key ideas from nonequilibrium statistical mechanics and powerful methodology from quantum field theory, this 2008 book captures the essence of nonequilibrium quantum field theory. Beginning with the foundational aspects of the theory, the book presents important concepts and useful techniques, discusses issues of basic interest, and shows how thermal field, linear response, kinetic theories and hydrodynamics emerge. It also illustrates how these concepts are applied to research topics including nonequilibrium phase transitions, thermalization in relativistic heavy ion collisions, the nonequilibrium dynamics of Bose-Einstein condensation, and the generation of structures from quantum fluctuations in the early Universe. This self-contained book is a valuable reference for graduate students and researchers in particle physics, gravitation, cosmology, atomic-optical and condensed matter physics. It has been reissued as an Open Access publication on Cambridge Core.

Full Product Details

Author:   Esteban A. Calzetta (Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina) ,  Bei-Lok B. Hu (University of Maryland, College Park)
Publisher:   Cambridge University Press
Imprint:   Cambridge University Press
Edition:   Revised edition
Dimensions:   Width: 17.50cm , Height: 3.50cm , Length: 25.00cm
Weight:   1.110kg
ISBN:  

9781009289986

ISBN 10:   1009289985
Pages:   552
Publication Date:   09 February 2023
Audience:   General/trade ,  General
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Manufactured on demand  
We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier.

Table of Contents

Foreword; Part I. Fields: 1. Introduction; 2. The electromagnetic field; 3. Field parameters; 4. The action principle; 5. Classical field dynamics; 6. Statistical interpretation of the field; 7. Examples and applications; Part II. Groups and Fields: 8. Field transformations; 9. Spacetime transformations; 10. Kinematical and dynamical transformations; 11. Position and momentum; 12. Charge and current; 13. The non-relativistic limit; 14. Unified kinematics and dynamics; 15. Epilogue: quantum field theory; Part III. Reference: A Compendium of Fields: 16. Gallery of definitions; 17. The Schrödinger field; 18. The real Klein Gordon field; 19. The complex Klein Gordon field; 20. The Dirac field; 21. The Maxwell radiation field; 22. The massive Proca field; 23. Non-Abelian fields; 24. Chern-Simons theories; 25. Gravity as a field theory; Part IV. Appendices.

Reviews

'… a very well written book which covers thoroughly various formalisms for studying nonequilibrium statistical mechanics and nonequilibrium.quantum field theory … The authors have written many of the seminal papers and the book is a masterpiece of pedagogy, explaining and resolving very clearly many of the technical issues that had to be overcome in the development of this subject. It should prove essential reading to anyone venturing to work in this important new field.' Fred Cooper, Program Director of Theoretical Physics, National Science Foundation

'... a very well written book which covers thoroughly various formalisms for studying nonequilibrium statistical mechanics and nonequilibrium.quantum field theory ... The authors have written many of the seminal papers and the book is a masterpiece of pedagogy, explaining and resolving very clearly many of the technical issues that had to be overcome in the development of this subject. It should prove essential reading to anyone venturing to work in this important new field.' Fred Cooper, Program Director of Theoretical Physics, National Science Foundation

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