Topology, Geometry and Gauge Fields: Interactions(v. 141 Applied Mathematical Sciences)

A study of topology and geometry, beginning with a comprehensible account of the extraordinary and rather mysterious impact of mathematical physics, and especially gauge theory, on the study of the geometry and topology of manifolds. The focus of the book is the Yang-Mills-Higgs field and some considerable effort is expended to make clear its origin and significance in physics. Much of the mathematics developed here to study these fields is standard, but the treatment always keeps one eye on the physics and sacrifices generality in favor of clarity. The author brings readers up the level of physics and mathematics needed to conclude with a brief discussion of the Seiberg-Witten invariants. A large number of exercises are included to encourage active participation on the part of the reader.

Table of Contents:
Preface.- Acknowledgements.- Geometrical Background.- Physical Motivation.- Frame Bundles and Spacetime.- Differential Forms and Integration Introduction.- de Rham Cohomology Introduction.- Characteristic Classes.- Appendix.- References.- Symbols.- Index.

Review :
From the reviews: MATHEMATICAL REVIEWS "The presentation in the remaining five chapters is enriched by detailed discussions about the physical interpretations of connections, their curves and characteristic classes. I particularly enjoyed Chapter 2 where many fundamental physical examples are discussed at great length in a reader friendly fashion. No detail is left to the reader's imagination or interpretation. I am not aware of another source where these very important examples and ideas are presented at a level accessible to beginners!The topics covered in this book can be found in many other sources, but the present volume discusses with great care those aspects and notions which are particularly important in gauge theory. Moreover, the presentation is backed by many useful and relevant examples and I am convinced that any beginner in gauge theory will find them very useful." NZMS NEWSLETTER "It is unusual to find a book so carefully tailored to the needs of this interdisciplinary area of mathematical physics...Naber combines a knowledge of his subject with an excellent informal writing style." SIAM REVIEW "Naber writes in a most unpretentious style. His prose is not terse like Rudin's, but not verbose either. He gives full details to all difficult calculations and shows good judgment in deciding what is difficult versus what is not. This is one way in which a writer demonstrates rapport with his/her readers. Never once has Naber omitted anything out of laziness, under the pretense that it is routine. The book is carefully thought out and lecture-tested account of the subject matter listed earlier. It is rigorous, with an emphasis on the details in the examples. Naber favors examples that deal with concrete spaces and revisits them whenever appropriate!In terms of its ability to teach a subject to the novice, this book ranks right up there with many classics!People who collect classics should consider buying this one, whether or not they plan to study it chapter by chapter. For someone who plans to compute right along with the examples, this book is a must-buy. Naber's goal is not to teach a sterile course on geometry and topology, but rather to enable us to see the subject in action, through gauge theory. The book is capable of fulfilling this goal because of Naber's efforts. He has undertaken the arduous task of researching the broad field with its extensive literature, learning the material himself, class testing it in lectures, and agonizing over the best ways to present it. Amazingly, the fruits of his labor can be had for less than $70, thanks to Springer's consumer-friendly pricing![the reviewer] hopes that Naber will continue the scholarly program of bringing exciting mathematics and physics to a level of clarity that is within our reach." REVIEWS OF TOPOLOGY, GEOMETRY, AND GAUGE FIELDS: FOUNDATIONS "It is unusual to find a book so carefully tailored to the needs of this interdisciplinary area of mathematical physics...Naber combines a knowledge of his subject with an excellent informal writing style." NZMS NEWSLETTER "...this book should be very interesting for mathematicians and physicists (as well as other scientists) who ae concerned with gauge theories." ZENTRALBLATT FUER MATHEMATIK