Aspects of Quantum Field Theory in Curved Spacetime

Erscheinungsjahr 2002
ISBN: 978-0-521-37768-3
Verlag: Cambridge University Press

Buch, Englisch, Band 17, 328 Seiten, Format (B × H): 152 mm x 229 mm, Gewicht: 534 g

Reihe: London Mathematical Society Student Texts

The theory of quantum fields on curved spacetimes has attracted great attention since the discovery, by Stephen Hawking, of black-hole evaporation. It remains an important subject for the understanding of such contemporary topics as inflationary cosmology, quantum gravity and superstring theory. This book provides, for mathematicians, an introduction to this field of physics in a language and from a viewpoint which such a reader should find congenial. Physicists should also gain from reading this book a sound grasp of various aspects of the theory, some of which have not been particularly emphasised in the existing review literature. The topics covered include normal-mode expansions for a general elliptic operator, Fock space, the Casimir effect, the 'Klein' paradox, particle definition and particle creation in expanding universes, asymptotic expansion of Green's functions and heat kernels, and renormalisation of the stress tensor. The style is pedagogic rather than formal; some knowledge of general relativity and differential geometry is assumed, but the author does supply background material on functional analysis and quantum field theory as required. The book arose from a course taught to graduate students and could be used for self-study or for advanced courses in relativity and quantum field theory.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Fulling, Stephen A.

Fachgebiete

• Mathematik | Informatik Mathematik Numerik und Wissenschaftliches Rechnen Computeranwendungen in der Mathematik
• Mathematik | Informatik Mathematik Numerik und Wissenschaftliches Rechnen Angewandte Mathematik, Mathematische Modelle

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Preface; 1. A quick course in quantum mechanics; 2. Self-adjoint, elliptic differential operators and eigen-function expansions; 3. Quantisation of a static, scalar field theory; 4. Two-point functions; 5. The stress tensor and the Casimir effect; 6. Quantum field theory in general space-times; 7. Quantum field theory in an expanding universe; 8. Some geometrical apparatus; 9. Renormalisation of the stress tensor; Conclusion; Appendix; Bibliography; Index.