Quantum Field Theory of Many-body Systems: From the Origin of Sound to an Origin of Light and Electrons (Oxford Graduate Texts) [Paperback]

Xiao-Gang Wen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 18, 2007 | ISBN-10: 019922725X | ISBN-13: 978-0199227259 | Edition: Reissue

For most of the last century, condensed matter physics has been dominated by band theory and Landau's symmetry breaking theory. In the last twenty years, however, there has been the emergence of a new paradigm associated with fractionalization, topological order, emergent gauge bosons and fermions, and string condensation. These new physical concepts are so fundamental that they may even influence our understanding of the origin of light and electrons in the universe. This book is a pedagogical and systematic introduction to the new concepts and quantum field theoretical methods in condensed matter physics. It discusses many basic notions in theoretical physics, which underlie physical phenomena in nature, including a notion that unifies light and electrons. Topics covered are dissipative quantum systems, boson condensation, symmetry breaking and gapless excitations, phase transitions, Fermi liquids, spin density wave states, Fermi and fractional statistics, quantum Hall effects, topological/quantum order, spin liquid and string condensation. Methods discussed include the path integral, Green's functions, mean-field theory, effective theory, renormalization group, bosonization in one- and higher dimensions, non-linear sigma-model, quantum gauge theory, dualities, slave-boson theory, and exactly soluble models beyond one-dimension. This book is aimed at bringing students to the frontiers of research in condensed matter physics.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"As a whole, Quantum Field Theory of Many-body Systems is an inspirational and forward-looking book exploring the mysteries and never ending wonders of many-particle quantum mechanicsBoth for ambitious graduate students and for gray-haired veterans, Wen's book offers a refreshing look at the mysterious quantum world."--Physics Today

"... covers an extremely wide-ranging and stimulating series of topics in modern theoretical condensed matter physics."--Nigel Cooper, University of Cambridge

"... responds to a serious need for a modern book on field-theory approaches to condensed matter theory."--Allan H. MacDonald, University of Texas at Austin

About the Author

Xiao-Gang Wen is a professor in the Department of Physics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Product Details

• Paperback: 512 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; Reissue edition (October 18, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 019922725X
• ISBN-13: 978-0199227259
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #382,450 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #62 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Physics > Nuclear Physics > Particle Physics

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good textbook - but may not be for beginners, December 3, 2007

By 

PT (Ithaca, NY USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Quantum Field Theory of Many-body Systems: From the Origin of Sound to an Origin of Light and Electrons (Oxford Graduate Texts) (Paperback)

The other two reviewers have both noted that the book may not be a good starting point for a beginner, and I entirely agree.

Think Weinberg's three-volume QFT, or Feynman's Lectures on Physics. These books are good, full of insights, and will teach you a lot more if you already have some basic understanding of the respective subjects. However, you will suffer if these books are used as introductory texts.

That said, I find Wen's book generally a good read, and it nicely explains several concepts that I didn't understand until now. Well, I am a field theorist in my 4th year of grad school-- not exactly a beginner. But still.

One such instance is the section on Berry phase of a spin. Granted, Wen pretty much just throw at you the concept of a coherent state, but that part I learned just all right from other places. What's important is, Wen's book explains the next step "coherent state --> Berry phase" clearly. It's the only comprehensible derivation I've seen so far. (See, for example, Fradkin's Field Theories for Condensed Matters for an **unintelligible** derivation.)

I do sometimes find Wen's narrative style annoying. But hey, it's a theoretical physics textbook, and as long as he makes sound arguments (he does), how he delivers the arguments isn't that important.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Utility depends on need, June 27, 2006

By 

Jeff (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Quantum Field Theory of Many-body Systems: From the Origin of Sound to an Origin of Light and Electrons (Oxford Graduate Texts) (Hardcover)

This book reflects the research interests of the author, who is a genius, and should not be considered introductory, even at the graduate level. I do not find this book useful for learning anything for the first time. However, it provides an interesting perspective on many classic topics in many-body theory. Unlike the previous reviewer, I found the grandious statements a wonderful feature since most textbooks lack any of the author's voice. Reading this book is closer to attending a lecture than any text of it's kind I've read. I get this book from the library and I wouldn't pay $100 for it especially since the author posts his lectures notes on his website and much of the later material can be obtained from PROLA.

3.0 out of 5 stars Good choice of material, but quite sloppy, January 19, 2012

By 

V. Puller "Researcher" (Talence, France) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Quantum Field Theory of Many-body Systems: From the Origin of Sound to an Origin of Light and Electrons (Oxford Graduate Texts) (Paperback)

The book contains very interesting choice of material, but the derivations are quite sloppy, the notation frequently changes without warning, and there is huge amount of typos. This is a kind of book that gives you some good insights (aka Feynmann's books), but certainly not the book from which you can seriously learn the subject.