Quarks, Gluons and Lattices (Cambridge Monographs on Mathematical Physics) [Hardcover]

Michael Creutz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 24, 1984 | ISBN-10: 0521244056 | ISBN-13: 978-0521244053 | Edition: 1

This book introduces the lattice approach to quantum field theory. The spectacular successes of this technique include compelling evidence that exchange of gauge gluons can confine the quarks within subnuclear matter. The lattice framework enables novel schemes for quantitative calculation and has caused considerable cross-disciplinary activity between elementary particle and solid state physicists. The treatment begins with the lattice definition of a path integral and ends on Monte Carlo simulation methods. Other topics include invariant group integration, duality, mean field theory and renormalization group techniques. The reader is assumed to have a basic background in relativistic quantum mechanics and some exposure to gauge theories.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...an elegant book...I recommend it in the strongest terms to all interested in the fundamental structure of nature and the surprises quantum field theory has in store." Nature

Book Description

Introduction to the lattice approach to quantum field theory, a technique that has produced compelling evidence that exchange of gauge gluons can confine the quarks within subnuclear matter.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 184 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 1 edition (February 24, 1984)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521244056
• ISBN-13: 978-0521244053
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,786,207 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Essential text for any student of lattice gauge theory, June 29, 2007

By 

S. Huntsman - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Quarks, Gluons and Lattices (Cambridge Monographs on Mathematical Physics) (Paperback)

This is a dated book (look at the copyright date). This is also an action-packed book. A simple comparison of the page count with (e.g.) Rothe's Lattice Gauge Theories will indicate that Cruetz's treatment is terse and dense. Yet it is surprisingly broad. Come prepared with a good understanding of QFT and statistical physics, and a willingness to supplement this text with others.

The key point is that Creutz is still the definitive reference on LGT. If you already know LGT, then presumably you own this book.

If you don't already know LGT and want to learn it, you should own this book, and probably Rothe as well (Rothe's treatment is much more explicit and easier to follow, if also much longer) or some other companion like Montvay/Munster or Smit. If you only want to buy one book on LGT, then (and only then) I would not suggest Creutz--you can find out the basics from hep-lat and (e.g.) Rothe.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lattice Field theory classic, January 11, 2007

By 

R. Bagula "Roger L. Bagula" (Lakeside, Ca United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Quarks, Gluons and Lattices (Cambridge Monographs on Mathematical Physics) (Paperback)

While relatively hard to read and using
some unique notation,
this is a master work and a reference in
quantum physics using Keneth G. Wilson's Lattice theory
formulation to illuminate.
The references have been very useful to me over the years as well.