An Informal Introduction to Gauge Field TheoriesFour 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. |
Contents
I Manifest | 10 |
Gauge fields and the gauge principle | 25 |
I Massless | 39 |
Massive | 58 |
II Hidden | 71 |
Theory of weak and electromagnetic interactions | 105 |
Renormalisation matters | 125 |
References | 164 |
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Common terms and phrases
actually addition amplitude appear associated becomes bosons calculated called cancel Chapter charge clearly commutation components condition conserved consider constant contribution corrections corresponding coupling course depend derivative discussed divergence effects electromagnetic electron energy equation example exist expect fact field theory finite force function further gauge field gauge theories gauge-invariance generalised given gives global Goldstone graphs ground hadrons hence hidden idea identities important independent integral interactions interpretation introduce invariance involving isospin Lagrangian lead lepton limit mass massive massless momentum non-Abelian obtain operator original parameter particle particular phase photon Phys physical polarisation possible predictions present propagator quantum quantum mechanics quark relations renormalisation result rotations scalar scale Section shown simple space symmetry transformation true vacuum vanish vector Ward weak zero
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