Quantum Field Theory Demystified

by David McMahon

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Learn quantum field theory relatively easily Trying to comprehend quantum field theory but don't have infinite time or the IQ of Einstein? No problem! This easy-to-follow guide helps you understand this complex subject matter without spending a lot of energy. Quantum Field Theory Demystified covers essential principles such as particle physics and special relativity. You'll learn about Lagrangian field theory, group theory, and electroweak theory. The book also explains continuous and discrete symmetries, spontaneous symmetry breaking, and supersymmetry. With thorough coverage of the mathematics of quantum field theory and featuring end-of-chapter quizzes and a final exam to test your knowledge, this book will teach you the fundamentals of this theoretical framework in no time at all. This fast and easy guide Simple enough for a beginner, but challenging enough for an advanced student, Quantum Field Theory Demystified is your shortcut to understanding this fascinating area of physics.

Genres: Physics, Science, Education, Reference

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Bojan Tunguz · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was first trying to learn Quantum Field Theory (QFT), at the end of my college years and at the beginning of the graduate schools, the jump from the "regular" quantum mechanics seemed almost insurmountable. Even with a full year of graduate quantum mechanics, the kinds of concepts and calculations that are the staple of the QFT seemed beyond anything that I had encountered in Physics before. Unfortunately to this day there aren't many QFT textbooks that will give you the benefit of the doubt when first learning the subject. Most of them aim to be comprehensive, rather than pedagogical. Which is unfortunate because many more basic concepts and results are not beyond the ability of a more motivated undergraduate to grasp. In the light of that, I wish that David McMahon's book had been published earlier. There clearly is a need for book of this type, for both those who are interested in preparing themselves for a full-fledged course on QFT, as well for many practicing Physicist who could benefit from knowing the bare essentials of QFT for their own line of research (particle physicists, astrophysicists, etc.). As correctly pointed out by other reviewers, the book has its flaws. The ones that I find particularly prominent are 1. Many mistakes, 2. It can be conceptually fuzzy and less than accurate when it comes to some key concepts. 3. Non-inclusion of non-relativistic QFT (important for condensed matter applications) 4. Inclusion of Supersymmetry, which is a non-standard topic for most textbooks, and not even a verified concept, and 5. Poor typesetting. However, even with those flaws, the book is an important text for everyone who is interested in learning about QFT on their own for the first time. But it is not meant for everyone: one year of college-level quantum mechanics and familiarity with the modern tensor notation would be the minimal requirement s for taking a fool advantage of this book.

[Gunther Meliton · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Easy" introduction to something very complex and normally not well structured, because fundamental ideas and very detailed methods are always mixed in this subject. A book you can read without collapsing.

[فرهاد ذکاوت · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice fast and easy introduction to QFT for undergraduate students who are interested in QFT . I found some mistakes in the book (about 20). Someone can derive this book under 8 to 12 hours. I recommend this book for fast reviews too. The final chapter is SUSY. A standard final chapter as beyond standard model model. People can find SUSY independent book in this series too.

Final examples are easy but nice and related to the text. There is an introduction to extra references to read and follow subjects at the end of the book.

[Luis Odín · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muy buen libro para iniciarse en el tema de Teoría Cuántica de Campos. El libro es muy sencillo y te da una buena idea de como operar varias cosas, lo cual resulta bastante útil para alguien que no tiene ningún conocimiento de la materia. El libro se lee muy fácil y por lo mismo se puede acabar muy rápido. Sin embargo, la lectura de sólo este libro no es para nada suficiente si tu objetivo es entender bien QFT, solo te podría ayudar para acreditar algún curso de licenciatura pero se queda muy abajo para uno de posgrado. Después de la lectura de este libro me quedé con muchas dudas pero creo que para el objetivo que pretende un libro como éste el resultado es bastante bueno. Este libro es el segundo libro que recomiendo en una lista de libros sencillos, fáciles y principalmente pedagógicos acerca de QFT

Mis libros fáciles y pedagógicos recomendados en orden son los siguientes:
Libros Introductorios (partiendo de conocimiento cero)

1.- Physics from symmetry (te abrirá los ojos a muchas aspectos de los cuales otros libros no aclaran)
2.- Quantum Field Theory Demystified (Te da un primer acercamiento a los temas de manera amigable y enseña como hacer algunos cálculos sencillos para alguien que esta en conocimiento cero)

Libros Fáciles y pedagógicos (más complicados que los anteriores pero aun así bastante accesibles)

3.- Student Friendly Quantum Field Theory (El libro por excelencia para iniciarse. Cuando lo leas empezaras a entender muchas cosas. El autor parece tener escuela del libro clásico Mandl & Shaw)
4.- No-nonsense Quantum Field Theory: A student-friendly introduction. (Libro escrito por el mismo autor de Physics from Symmetry. Una vez que encuentras un buen autor siguelo porque muchos de sus libros siguen siendo muy buenos. El libro es muy nuevo pero creo que vale la pena. Es muy grande pero las hojas, el espaciado de letra y el tamaño de ésta lo hace fácil para leer. Cabe destacar que el autor es fan del Dr. Klauber de Student Friendly Quantum Field Theory, por eso lo coloco como una lectura posterior a Klauber)
5.- Quantum Field Theory for the Gifted Amateur. (Es un libro sencillo para leer, muy bien organizado. Los autores parecen haber querido hacer un libro que sirviera como una referencia previa a libros canónicos, en especifico al famoso Pekin o el libro de Zee. Aunque es más fácil pasar a través de sus páginas que algunos de los libros anteriores, lo considero en este punto por no detallar tanto los cálculos como algunos de los anteriores y aun así pretender tratar temas incluso más avanzados que los temas básicos que puedes aprender en las referencias anteriores. También tiene problemas mucho más complicados y en general lo considero que los autores pretendieron ser más ambiciosos en cuestión de temas más allá de lo básico, apelando en muchas ocasiones a la intuición o a que el lector rellene los pasos intermedios, pero aun así un libro sencillo comparado con las referencias principales del tema.)

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

QFT

This book offers a fascinating exploration of the complex world of quantum field theory, making it accessible and engaging for curious minds.

If you've ever wondered about the fundamental nature of the universe or pondered the mysterious behavior of particles, this book is a perfect starting point. McMahon's writing style strikes a balance between being informative and approachable, allowing readers with varying levels of physics knowledge to grasp the concepts presented.

Whether you're a physics enthusiast or simply curious about the subject, this book offers an opportunity to dive into the realm of quantum mechanics.

Each chapter is well-organized and supplemented with clear explanations, diagrams, and examples, ensuring that readers can follow along and grasp the material with relative ease.

One of the book's strengths lies in its ability to bridge the gap between theory and application. McMahon provides real-world examples and connects the theoretical concepts to practical observations, allowing readers to see the relevance of quantum field theory in our physical reality. This approach fosters a deeper understanding and enhances the overall learning experience.

I got this book because of how much I enjoyed Mathematica DeMYSTiFied, and I found the same level of clarity and insightful explanations in Quantum Field Theory Demystified.

While delving into the world of quantum field theory may sound intimidating, this book manages to make the subject accessible without sacrificing depth.

So, if you're ready to unlock the secrets of the quantum realm and deepen your knowledge of physics, be sure to pick up a copy of Quantum Field Theory Demystified. Let David McMahon be your guide as you embark on an enlightening journey through the fascinating realm of quantum mechanics.

4.0/5

[Two Readers in Love]

From p. xvi of the prologue "Unfortunately, learning quantum field theory entails some background in physics and math. The bottom line is, I assume you have it. The background I am expecting includes quantum mechanics, some basic special relativity, some exposure to electromagnetics and Maxwell's equations, calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations. If you lack the background do some studying in these subjects and then give this book a try.

Now let's forge ahead and start learning quantum field theory."

This is a great approach -- and the author is not lying; the book really dives directly in.

So if, like me, it has been three decades since you last approached any of these subjects you are going to have to back up and refresh. Clearly much has changed! So while this looks like a interesting book, I returned it to the library until I can get back up to date and refresh my memory.

[Anthony O'Connor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Probably a waste of time.

It's hard to understand who the intended audience of this book is. For the serious student, or already expert, it is far too simplistic, scrappy, fragmented and incomplete. For the beginner (satisfying even the stated prerequisites ) it is ... far too simplistic, scrappy, fragmented and incomplete. The only thing it explains well or at least lists are the prerequisites ( QM and SR to beginning grad level ). The rest of it does a very poor job of explaining anything. The author is just lazily pumping out some hard to follow incomplete math to fill the pages.
It's a shame because it's an important and very difficult subject and the author did a fine job on basic quantum mechanics in the same series. Not so much this time.
You can scan it and pick out a few good ideas and factoids. But you'd probably do better with a few good wikipedia articles.

[Nurlaila]

Quantum teaching

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will read certain sections again. Interesting book.

[Ahmed قامش]

Highly Recommended Book for young scientists who are interested in particle physics and the standard model