An Introduction to Twistor Theory (London Mathematical Society Student Texts, Series Number 4) - Hardcover

Huggett, S. A.; Tod, K. P.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521308798 ISBN 13: 9780521308793

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1985

Synopsis

This book is an introduction to twistor theory and modern geometrical approaches to space-time structure at the graduate or advanced undergraduate level. The choice of material presented has evolved from graduate courses given in London and Oxford and the authors have aimed to retain the informal tone of those lectures. Topics covered include spinor algebra andcalculus; compactified Minkowski space; the geometry of null congruences; the geometry of twistor space; an informal account of sheaf cohomology sufficient to describe the twistor solution for the zero rest-mass equations; the active twistor constructions which solve the self-dual Yang-Mills and Einstein equations; and Penrose's quasi- local-mass construction. Exercises are included in the text and after most chapters. The book will provide graduate students with an introduction to the literature of twistor theory, presupposing some knowledge of special relativity and differential geometry. It would also be of use for a short course on space-time structure independent of twistor theory.

About this title

Review

' ... the book is recommended to anyone seeking to get acquainted with the area.' American Scientist

' ... a certain amount of preliminary knowledge is assumed of the reader ... but anyone who has these prerequisites and who is interested in twistor theory could hardly do better than to start with this book.' Contemporary Physics

'In all, the book provides a pleasant starting point for the study of this fascinating subject.' Dr F. E. Burstall, Contemporary Physics

Book Description

This text is an introduction to twistor theory and modern geometrical approaches to space-time structure at the graduate or advanced undergraduate level.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1985
• ISBN 10: 0521308798
• ISBN 13: 9780521308793
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 155