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This graduate textbook provides an introduction to quantum gravity, when spacetime is two-dimensional. The quantization of gravity is the main missing piece of theoretical physics, but in two dimensions it can be done explicitly with elementary mathematical tools, but it still has most of the conceptional riddles present in higher dimensional (not yet known) quantum gravity. It provides an introduction to a very interdisciplinary field, uniting physics (quantum geometry) and mathematics (combinatorics) in a non-technical way, requiring no prior knowledge of quantum field theory or general relativity. Using the path integral, the chapters provide self-contained descriptions of random walks, r...
Describes random geometry and applications to strings, quantum gravity, topological field theory and membrane physics.
The express purpose of these lecture notes is to go through some aspects of the simplicial quantum gravity model known as the dynamical triangula tions approach. Emphasis has been on laying the foundations of the theory and on illustrating its subtle and often unexplored connections with many distinct mathematical fields ranging from global Riemannian geometry, to moduli theory, number theory, and topology. Our exposition will concentrate on these points so that graduate students may find in these notes a useful exposition of some of the rigorous results one can -establish in this field and hopefully a source of inspiration for new exciting problems. We try as far as currently possible to ex...
A comprehensive, graduate-level textbook introducing quantum field theory, giving equal emphasis to operator and path integral formalisms.
Already in 1997, the topics included in this meeting had been enlarged to include all different phases and phase transitions relevant on laboratory scales or in cosmology. The '98 meeting followed this trend, and there was a balanced combination of the physics associated with both strong and electroweak interactions (and beyond). The main motivation continues to be the understanding of the standard model in “extreme” situations, particularly relevant on the cosmological scale. Most contributions were in one way or another concerned with the finite-temperature aspects of strong and electroweak interactions, and, as in the previous meeting, one persistent theme was the present understandin...
Lattice 91 covers the proceedings of the International Symposium on Lattice Field Theory held in Tsukuba, Japan on 5-9 November 1991. The book focuses on quantum chromodynamics, Higgs-fermion theories, QED, lattice quantum gravity and random surfaces, spin systems related to field theory, simulation algorithms, and dedicated computers. The selection first offers information on the QCD spectrum and phase diagram on the lattice and QCD at finite density, including phase structure of QCD, Monte-Carlo simulations with dynamical fermions, and quenched approximation. The book then tackles weak matrix elements, simulation of heavy quarks, and sphaleron induced baryon number non-conservation. The te...
This proceedings volume contains selected talks and poster presentations from the 9th International Conference on Path Integrals OCo New Trends and Perspectives, which took place at the Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems in Dresden, Germany, during the period September 23OCo28, 2007. Continuing the well-developed tradition of the conference series, the present status of both the different techniques of path integral calculations and their diverse applications to many fields of physics and chemistry is reviewed. This is reflected in the main topics in this volume, which range from more traditional fields such as general quantum physics and quantum or statistical field theory through technical aspects like Monte Carlo simulations to more modern applications in the realm of quantum gravity and astrophysics, condensed matter physics with topical subjects such as BoseOCoEinstein condensation or quantum wires, biophysics and econophysics. All articles are successfully tied together by the common method of path integration; as a result, special methodological advancements in one topic could be transferred to other topics."
“A splendid, edifying report from the front lines of theorectical physics” (San Francisco Chronicle). In this illuminating book, renowned physicist Lee Smolin argues that fundamental physics—the search for the laws of nature—is losing its way. Ambitious ideas about extra dimensions, exotic particles, multiple universes, and strings have captured the public’s imagination—and the imagination of experts. But these ideas have not been tested experimentally, and some, like string theory, seem to offer no possibility of being tested. Even still, these speculations dominate the field, attracting the best talent and much of the funding, while creating a climate in which emerging physicists are often penalized for pursuing other avenues. The situation threatens to impede the very progress of science. With clarity, passion, and authority, Smolin offers an unblinking assessment of the troubles that face modern physics, and an encouraging view of where the search for the next big idea may lead. “The best book about contemporary science written for the layman that I have ever read.” —The Times (London)
The Springer Handbook of Spacetime is dedicated to the ground-breaking paradigm shifts embodied in the two relativity theories, and describes in detail the profound reshaping of physical sciences they ushered in. It includes in a single volume chapters on foundations, on the underlying mathematics, on physical and astrophysical implications, experimental evidence and cosmological predictions, as well as chapters on efforts to unify general relativity and quantum physics. The Handbook can be used as a desk reference by researchers in a wide variety of fields, not only by specialists in relativity but also by researchers in related areas that either grew out of, or are deeply influenced by, th...
A survey of the most recent developments in general relativity and in the theory of the unification of Fundamental Interactions is presented in this book. The theoretical results, the cosmological and astrophysical aspects, the experimental and observational programs are shown in 26 general talks by renowned scientists active in this field.