An Informal Introduction to Gauge Field Theories - Hardcover

Aitchison, Ian J. R.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521245400 ISBN 13: 9780521245401

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1982

Synopsis

Four forces are dominant in physics: gravity, electromagnetism and the weak and strong nuclear forces. Quantum electrodynamics - the highly successful theory of the electromagnetic interaction - is a gauge field theory, and it is now believed that the weak and strong forces also can be described by generalizations of this type of theory. In this short book Dr Aitchison gives an introduction to these theories, a knowledge of which is essential in understanding modern particle physics. With the assumption that the reader is already familiar with the rudiments of quantum field theory and Feynman graphs, his aim has been to provide a coherent, self-contained and yet elementary account of the theoretical principles and physical ideas behind gauge field theories.

About this title

Review

'Aitchison's clear exposition of many difficult concepts will be hard to better.' Physics Bulletin

'A beautifully written book and a pleasure to read.' New Scientist

'Any thinking theoretical physicist should benefit from reading this book.' British Book News

Book Description

Four forces are dominant in physics: gravity, electromagnetism and the weak and strong nuclear forces. Quantum electrodynamics - the highly successful theory of the electromagnetic interaction - is a gauge field theory. In this short book Dr Aitchison gives an introduction to these theories, a knowledge of which is essential in understanding modern particle physics.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1982
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521245400
• ISBN 13: 9780521245401
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 177