Path Integrals and Quantum Processes

In a clearly written and systematic presentation, Path Integrals and Quantum Processes covers all concepts necessary to understand the path integral approach to calculating transition elements, partition functions, and source functionals. The book, which assumes only a familiarity with quantum mechanics, is ideal for use as a supplemental textbook in quantum mechanics and quantum field theory courses. Graduate and post-graduate students who are unfamiliar with the path integral will also benefit from this contemporary text. Exercise sets are interspersed throughout the text to facilitate self-study. Key Features * Explicates the relationship between the operator and path integral formulations of quantum mechanics and quantum field theory * Provides a systematic and detailed presentation of Grassmann variables * Covers Dirac's method of constraints and the relationship of ghosts, gauge invariance, and gauge conditions in gauge field theory * Includes applications to statistical mechanics, the effective action and potential, and anomaly analysis In a clearly written and systematic presentation, Path Integrals and Quantum Processes covers all concepts necessary to understand the path integral approach to calculating transition elements, partition functions, and source functionals. The book, which assumes only a familiarity with quantum mechanics, is ideal for use as a supplemental textbook in quantum mechanics and quantum field theory courses. Graduate and post-graduate students who are unfamiliar with the path integral will also benefit from this contemporary text. Exercise sets are interspersed throughout the text to facilitate self-study.

Key Features
* Explicates the relationship between the operator and path integral formulations of quantum mechanics and quantum field theory
* Provides a systematic and detailed presentation of Grassmann variables
* Covers Dirac's method of constraints and the relationship of ghosts, gauge invariance, and gauge conditions in gauge field theory
* Includes applications to statistical mechanics, the effective action and potential, and anomaly analysis Content: Front Matter , Page iii Copyright , Page iv Dedication , Page v Preface , Pages xi-xii Chapter 1 - Mathematical Preliminaries , Pages 1-29 Chapter 2 - Quantum Mechanical Path Integrals , Pages 31-50 Chapter 3 - Evaluating the Path Integral , Pages 51-73 Chapter 4 - Further Applications , Pages 75-116 Chapter 5 - Grassmann Variables , Pages 117-149 Chapter 6 - Field Theory , Pages 151-230 Chapter 7 - Gauge Field Theory , Pages 231-309 Chapter 8 - Perturbation Theory , Pages 311-356 Chapter 9 - Nonperturbative Results , Pages 357-439 Index , Pages 441-444 This particle physics work aims to cover all the concepts necessary to an understanding of the path integral approach to calculating transitional elements, partition functions and source functionals. The book can be used as a supplementary text for quantum mechanics and quantum field courses.