MSC: Primary 81;
Print ISBN: 978-0-8218-2014-8
Product Code: QFT/1/2.S
List Price: $85.00
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Quantum Fields and Strings: A Course for Mathematicians
Share this pageEdited by Pierre Deligne; Pavel Etingof; Daniel S. Freed; Lisa C. Jeffrey; David Kazhdan; John W. Morgan; David R. Morrison; Edward Witten
Ideas from quantum field theory and string theory have had
considerable impact on mathematics over the past 20 years. Advances
in many different areas have been inspired by insights from physics.
In 1996–97 the Institute for Advanced Study (Princeton, NJ)
organized a special year-long program designed to teach mathematicians
the basic physical ideas which underlie the mathematical applications.
The purpose is eloquently stated in a letter written by Robert
MacPherson: “The goal is to create and convey an understanding, in
terms congenial to mathematicians, of some fundamental notions of
physics … [and to] develop the sort of intuition common among
physicists for those who are used to thought processes stemming from
geometry and algebra.”
These volumes are a written record of the program. They contain
notes from several long and many short courses covering various
aspects of quantum field theory and perturbative string theory. The
courses were given by leading physicists and the notes were written
either by the speakers or by mathematicians who participated in the
program. The book also includes problems and solutions worked out by
the editors and other leading participants. Interspersed are
mathematical texts with background material and commentary on some
topics covered in the lectures.
These two volumes present the first truly comprehensive
introduction to this field aimed at a mathematics audience. They
offer a unique opportunity for mathematicians and mathematical
physicists to learn about the beautiful and difficult subjects of
quantum field theory and string theory.
Readership
Graduate students and research mathematicians working in various areas of mathematics related to quantum field theory.
Reviews & Endorsements
An immense amount of valuable material on recent developments. The development of classical supersymmetry by Deligne and collaborators is careful and systematic … masterful treatment …the book is a magnificent achievement.
-- SIAM Review
A concise introduction to the quantum field theory and perturbative string theory, with as much emphasis on a mathematically satisfying exposition and clarity as possible … will be helpful to all mathematicians and mathematical physicists who wish to learn about the beautiful subject of quantum field theory.
-- European Mathematical Society Newsletter