Synopses & Reviews
Filling an important gap in the literature, this comprehensive text develops conformal field theory from first principles. The treatment is self-contained, pedagogical, and exhaustive, and includes a great deal of background material on quantum field theory, statistical mechanics, Lie algebras and affine Lie algebras. The many exercises, with a wide spectrum of difficulty and subjects, complement and in many cases extend the text. The text is thus not only an excellent tool for classroom teaching but also for individual study. Intended primarily for graduate students and researchers in theoretical high-energy physics, mathematical physics, condensed matter theory, statistical physics, the book will also be of interest in other areas of theoretical physics and mathematics. It will prepare the reader for original research in this very active field of theoretical and mathematical physics.
Synopsis
This is the first complete textbook on conformal field theory. Intended primarily for graduate students and researchers in theoretical and mathematical physics, it will also be of interest to students and researchers in condensed matter theory, statistical physics, and other areas of theoretical physics and mathematics. The book develops the theory from first principles, providing many proofs and exercises.
Synopsis
This self-contained book develops conformal field theory from first principles and provides many proofs and exercises. An excellent book for individual study, the book includes a great deal of background material on quantum field theory, statistical mechanics, Lie algebras and affine Lie algebras.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. [861]-876) and index.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction; 2. Quantum Field Theory; 3. Statistical Mechanics; 4. Global Conformal Invariance; 5. Conformal Invariance in Two Dimensions; 6. The Operator Formalism I; 7. The Operator Formalism II; 8. Minimal Models; 9. The Coulomb Gas Formalism; 10. Modular Invariance; 11. Finite Size Scaling; 12. The Two-Dimensional Ising Model; 13. Simple Lie Algebras; 14. Affine Lie Algebras; 15. The WZNW Model; 16. Fusion Rules; 17. Modular Invariants; 18. The Coset Construction