Uncovering Quantum Field Theory and the Standard Model: From Fundamental Concepts to Dynamical Mechanisms

This textbook provides an accessible introduction to quantum field theory and the Standard Model of particle physics. It adopts a distinctive pedagogical approach with clear, intuitive explanations to complement the mathematical exposition. The book begins with basic principles of quantum field theory, relating them to quantum mechanics, classical field theory, and statistical mechanics, before building towards a detailed description of the Standard Model. Its concepts and components are introduced step by step, and their dynamical roles and interactions are gradually established. Advanced topics of current research are woven into the discussion and key chapters address physics beyond the Standard Model, covering subjects such as axions, technicolor, and Grand Unified Theories. This book is ideal for graduate courses and as a reference and inspiration for experienced researchers. Additional material is provided in appendices, while numerous end-of-chapter problems and quick questions reinforce the understanding and prepare students for their own research.

Table of Contents:
Preface; Part I. Quantum Field Theory: Ouverture: concepts of quantum field theory; 1. Basics of quantum field theory; 2. Scalar field theory and canonical quantization; 3. From particles to wavicles and back; 4. Perturbative scalar field functional integral in dimensional regularization; 5. Renormalization group; 6. Quantization of the free electromagnetic field; 7. Charged states in scalar quantum electrodynamics; 8. Canonical quantization of free Weyl, Dirac, and Majorana fermions; 9. Fermionic functional integrals; 10. Chiral symmetry in the continuum and on the lattice; 11. Non-Abelian gauge fields; Part II. Construction of the Standard Model: Intermezzo: concepts of the Standard Model; 12. Spontaneous breakdown of global symmetries: from condensed matter to Higgs bosons; 13. Local symmetry and the Higgs mechanism: from superconductivity to electroweak gauge bosons; 14. Gluons: from confinement to deconfinement; 15. One generation of leptons and quarks; 16. Fermion masses; 17. Several generations and flavor physics of quarks and leptons; Part III. Strong Interaction: 18. Quantum Chromodynamics; 19. Topology of gauge fields; 20. U(1)A-problem; 21. Spectrum of light baryons and mesons; 22. Partons and hard processes; 23. Chiral perturbation theory; 24. Topology of Nambu-Goldstone boson fields; Part IV. Selected Topics beyond the Standard Model: 25. Strong CP-problem; 26. Grand unified theories; Finale; Appendix A. Highlights in the development of particle physics; Appendix B. Units, hierarchies, and fundamental parameters; Appendix C. Structure of Minkowski space-time; Appendix D. Relativistic formulation of classical electrodynamics; Appendix E. From the Galilei to the Poincaré algebra; Appendix F. Lie groups and Lie algebras; Appendix G. Homotopy groups and topology; Appendix H. Monte Carlo method; Appendix I. Phase transitions and critical phenomena; Bibliography; Author Index; Subject Index.

About the Author :
Wolfgang Bietenholz is Professor of physics at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). His research focuses on lattice field theory with applications to elementary particles and condensed matter. He also writes articles on physics, mathematics, and the history of science for a broader audience. He studied at ETH Zürich and the University of Bern, and held previous positions at CBPF in Rio de Janeiro, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY), NORDITA, and the Humboldt University in Berlin. Uwe-Jens Wiese is Professor at the University of Bern, and his research is focused on strongly interacting quantum systems in particle and condensed matter physics. He studied at the University of Hannover, and he previously held positions at the Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where his work has been recognized by an Afred P. Sloan Fellowship. He was a recipient of an ERC Advanced Grant for the duration from 2014 to 2019, and of a Humboldt Research Award in 2022.

Review :
'Wolfgang Bietenholz and Uwe-Jens Wiese have done an impressive job of writing an introduction to quantum field theory and the standard model of particle physics that incorporates modern viewpoints throughout. They manage to cover a great deal of material in a manageable space. Students will come away with an excellent grounding in a difficult and multifaceted subject, and the book will also be a valuable resource for experienced researchers.' Edward Witten, Institute for Advanced Studies, Princeton 'Bietenholz and Wiese have succeeded in writing a quantum field theory textbook that takes a radically different path from those before it whilst still covering the field in a manner appropriate for a graduate course. The presentation is clear and is interestingly modulated by the authors' backgrounds in lattice approaches to field theory, explaining difficult concepts in concise and interesting ways. Throughout the book are scattered gems of topics that you will not find in existing mainstream texts, where the authors eloquently delve into these selected topics in deeper detail.' William Detmold, Massachusetts Institute of Technology 'This is a remarkable book! As an introduction to quantum field theory it impresses with its clarity and depth. It also provides great insight into the standard model, in particular its nonperturbative features and connections to condensed matter physics. This book will be an invaluable source of information for students and researchers alike.' Wilfried Buchmüller, DESY and University of Hamburg 'This is a marvelous book that manages to synthesize the developments over more than fifty years in quantum field theory, statistical mechanics, the Standard Model of particle physics, critical phenomena, and the renormalization group. The authors have a deep understanding of the subject and manage to present the material with explanations and insight rather than heavy use of equations. It serves as an excellent complete textbook for graduate courses but also as a reference book for researchers in the field.' Poul H. Damgaard, Niels Bohr Institute 'A modern and empowering text on quantum field theory. The book is very successful in engaging its readers right from the start, with the main relevant topics covered in a solid and motivating way, highlighting open questions, and providing interesting historical remarks and exercises. The authors' approach is novel and stimulating and the book will be very valuable for students.' Tereza Mendes, University of São Paulo