Field Theory, the Renormalization Group and Critical Phenomena [Paperback]

Daniel J. Amit (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1984 | ISBN-10: 9971966115 | ISBN-13: 978-9971966119 | Edition: 2 Revised

This volume links field theory methods and concepts from particle physics with those in critical phenomena and statistical mechanics, the development starting from the latter point of view. Rigor and lengthy proofs are trimmed by using the phenomenological framework of graphs, power counting, etc., and field theoretic methods with emphasis on renormalization group techniques. Non-perturbative methods and numerical simulations are introduced in this new edition. Abundant references to research literature complement this matter-of-fact approach. The book introduces quantum field theory to those already grounded in the concepts of statistical mechanics and advanced quantum theory, with sufficient exercises in each chapter for use as a textbook in a one-semester graduate course. The following new chapters are included: I. Real Space Methods II. Finite Size Scaling III. Monte Carlo Methods. Numerical Field Theory

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Scientific American

"There are only very few textzbooks on the intermediate level, and the first edition of Amit's work has been a very useful one. The second edition with a detailed exposition on finite size scaling, universality and the critical behavior with several coupling constants promises to be a valuable tool in the library of many physicists." --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"Recommended as the core text for any introductory course on field theory." American Scientists, USA "There are only very few textbooks on the intermediate level, and the first edition of Amit's work has been a very useful one. The second edition with a detailed exposition on finite size scaling, universality and the critical behavior with several coupling constants promises to be a valuable tool in the library of many physicists." Journal of Applied Mathematics and Physics, Switzerland

Product Details

• Paperback: 410 pages
• Publisher: World Scientific Pub Co Inc; 2 Revised edition (December 1984)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9971966115
• ISBN-13: 978-9971966119
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,138,155 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended introduction to quantum field theory with a statistical physics flavour, May 26, 2007

By 

TOE (Paris, France) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Field Theory; The Renormalization Group and Critical Phenomena (Paperback)

This book presents in a logical and consistent way the material that every budding condensed matter theorist should know on field theory before engaging in serious research.

Within the first seven chapters, the authors derive the key results in euclidian field theory and lay the basis for further developments in renormalization theory and critical phenomena. That part of the book is almost self-contained and could serve as an alternative to the traditionally particle-physics oriented field theory course.

Chapter 8 introduces properly the core concepts of any book on the subject, namely the renormalization group and critical phenomena. Once more, every technicalities are derived and no prior acquaintance to field theory is required (unlike in books like Itzykson & Drouffe two volumes). The major techniques, such as dimensional regularization, are nicely exposed. A salient point for using this course as a first introduction to quantum field theory would be that students would have a better feeling on the true meaning of renormalization and scale invariance than if those were presented in a particle physics context.

Part II of this book exposes more specialized topics. The Coleman-Weinberg phenomenon and critical behaviour with several coupling constants are well presented. Crossover phenomena, critical phenomena in two dimensions have their respective chapters, too.

Part III begins with real space renormalization methods ; here the presentation is a bit too formal, and returning to books like the one by Nigel Goldenfeld would improve the reader's appreciation of those methods.

The book ends with some numerical recipes used in statistical field theory. Sample programs can be downloaded on a dedicated webpage.

In short, an excellent, comprehensive, highly recommended textbook and reference work.

3 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars intresting, March 29, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Field Theory, the Renormalization Group and Critical Phenomena (Paperback)

It was very interisting but you had to pay full attention to what was going on. I like that in a book. You kept wanting to find out more and more but the plot wasn't all that great. If your the silent type i think that you should read it.