Synopses & Reviews
Review
"Topics covered include massless fields, the geometry of light rays, and the conformal structure of infinity. Twistorial applications abound and are presented in great detail. The approach here is to show how problems with the standard physical framework may be solved using new twistorial techniques." American Mathematics Monthly
Synopsis
In the two volumes that comprise this work Roger Penrose and Wolfgang Rindler introduce the calculus of 2-spinors and the theory of twistors, and discuss in detail how these powerful and elegant methods may be used to elucidate the structure and properties of space-time. In volume 1, Two-spinor calculus and relativistic fields, the calculus of 2-spinors is introduced and developed. Volume 2, Spinor and twistor methods in space-time geometry, introduces the theory of twistors, and studies in detail how the theory of twistors and 2-spinors can be applied to the study of space-time.
Synopsis
Volume 2 introduces the theory of twistors and two-spinors and shows how it can be applied. Includes a comprehensive treatment of the conformal approach to space-time infinity with results on general relativistic mass and angular momentum.
Table of Contents
Preface; Summary of volume 1; 6. Twistors; 7. Null congruences; 8. Classification of curvature tensors; 9. Conformal infinity; Appendix; References; Subject and author index; Index of symbols.
Tech Q&A
Read the Tech Q&A with Roger Penrose