ABSTRACT

This text explains the features of quantum and statistical field systems that result from their field-theoretic nature and are common to different physical contexts. It supplies the practical tools for carrying out calculations and discusses the meaning of the results. The central concept is that of effective action (or free energy), and the main t

part I|2 pages

THE PATH INTEGRAL IN QUANTUMMECHANICS

chapter 1|14 pages

Action in Classical Mechanics

chapter 2|22 pages

The Path Integral in Quantum Mechanics

chapter 3|32 pages

The Euclidean Path Integral

part II|2 pages

INTRODUCTION TO QUANTUM FIELD THEORY

chapter 4|26 pages

Classical and Quantum Fields

chapter 5|32 pages

Vacuum Energy in φ4 Theory

chapter 6|28 pages

The Effective Action in φ4 Theory

chapter 7|30 pages

Renormalization of the Effective Action

chapter 8|18 pages

Renormalization Group

chapter 9|18 pages

Concluding Remarks

part III|2 pages

MORE COMPLEX FIELDS AND OBJECTS

chapter 11|42 pages

Path Integral For Fermions

chapter 12|54 pages

Gauge Fields

chapter 13|62 pages

Topological Objects in Field Theory

chapter |8 pages

A. Some Integrals and Products

chapter C|16 pages

Lie Algebras