Quantization Of Fields

Quantization of Fields with Constraints

Gauge field theories underlie all models now used in elementary particle physics. These theories refer to the class of singular theories which are also theories with constraints. The quantization of singular theories remains one of the key problems of quantum field theory and is being intensively discussed in the literature. This book is an attempt to fill the need for a comprehensive analysis of this problem, which has not heretofore been met by the available monographs and reviews. The main topics are canonical quantization and the path integral method. In addition, the Lagrangian BRST quantization is completely described, for the first time in a monograph. The book also presents a number of original results obtained by the authors, in particular, a complete description of the physical sector of an arbitrary gauge theory, quantization of singular theories with higher theories with time-dependent constraints, and correct derivatives, quantization of canonical quantization of theories of a relativistic point-like particle. As a general illustration we present quantization of field theories such as electrodynamics, Yang-Mills theory, and gravity. It should be noted that this monograph is aimed not only at giving the reader the rules of quantization according to the principle "if you do it this way, it will be good", but also at presenting strong arguments based on the modem interpretation of the classical and quantum theories which show that these methods· are the natural, if not the only possible ones.

Field Quantization

Theoretical physics has become a many-faceted science. For the young stu dent it is difficult enough to cope with the overwhelming amount of new scientific material that has to be learned, let alone obtain an overview of the entire field, which ranges from mechanics through electrodynamics, quantum mechanics, field theory, nuclear and heavy-ion science, statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, and solid-state theory to elementary-particle physics. And this knowledge should be acquired in just 8-10 semesters, during which, in addition, a Diploma or Master's thesis has to be worked on or examinations prepared for. All this can be achieved only if the university teachers help to introduce the student to the new disciplines as early on as possible, in order to create interest and excitement that in turn set free essential new energy. At the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University in Frankfurt we therefore con front the student with theoretical physics immediately, in the first semester. Theoretical Mechanics I and II, Electrodynamics, and Quantum Mechanics I - An Introduction are the basic courses during the first two years. These lectures are supplemented with many mathematical explanations and much support material. After the fourth semester of studies, graduate work begins, and Quantum Mechanics II - Symmetries, Statistical Mechanics and Ther modynamics, Relativistic Quantum Mechanics, Quantum Electrodynamics, the Gauge Theory of Weak Interactions, and Quantum Chromo dynamics are obligatory.

An Introduction to Field Quantization