This introduction to quantum chromodynamics presents the basic concepts and calculations in a clear and didactic style accessible to those new to the field. Readers will find useful methods for obtaining numerical results, including pure gauge theory and quenched spectroscopy.
The lattice formulation is at present the most successful approach to Quantum Chromodynamics - the theory of quarks and gluons. This book is intended for newcomers to the field and presents a clear and easy-to-follow path from the first principles all the way to actual calculations. It focusses on QCD and discusses mainly SU(3) lattice gauge theory, both with and without fermions. Numerical calculations in lattice field theory have now become the most effective approach for obtaining quantitative results, and thus three chapters include sections describing numerical techniques, as used in pure gauge theory, in quenched spectroscopy and in treating dynamical fermions.
The path integral on the lattice.- The path integral on the lattice.- QCD on the lattice - a first look.- QCD on the lattice - a first look.- Pure gauge theory on the lattice.- Pure gauge theory on the lattice.- Numerical simulation of pure gauge theory.- Numerical simulation of pure gauge theory.- Fermions on the lattice.- Fermions on the lattice.- Hadron spectroscopy.- Hadron spectroscopy.- Chiral symmetry on the lattice.- Chiral symmetry on the lattice.- Dynamical fermions.- Dynamical fermions.- Symanzik improvement and RG actions.- Symanzik improvement and RG actions.- More about lattice fermions.- More about lattice fermions.- Hadron structure.- Hadron structure.- Temperature and chemical potential.- Temperature and chemical potential. Dr. Christian B. Lang lehrt und forscht als Professor für Theoretische Physik an der Universität Graz. Seine Arbeitsgebiete umfassen die Elementarteilchenphysik, Statistische Physik und Computational Physics.
From the reviews:
"This is a very nice and readable book on lattice gauge theories. It is conceived for non-specialists in the field and is quite self-contained. ... It is a modern, updated introduction to lattice gauge theory, very easy to consult and conceived in a modern way. This is an excellent textbook for students or anyone wishing to be introduced to the subject." (Giuseppe Nardelli, Mathematical Reviews, Issue 2010 k)
