Acquaints readers with the main concepts and literature of elementary particle physics and quantum field theory. In particular, the book is concerned with the elaboration of gauge field theories in nuclear physics; the possibility of creating fundamental new states of matter such as an extended quark-gluon plasma in ultra-relativistic heavy ion collisions; and the relation of gauge theories to the creation and evolution of the universe. Divided into three parts, it opens with an introduction to the general principles of relativistic quantum field theory followed by the essential ingredients of gauge fields for weak and electromagnetic interactions, quantum chromodynamics and strong interactions. The third part is concerned with the interface between modern elementary particle physics and "applied disciplines" such as nuclear physics, astrophysics and cosmology. Includes references and numerous exercises.

Table of Contents

QUANTUM FIELD THEORY; Relativistic Wave Equations; Canonical Quantization of Local Field Theories; Perturbation Theory and Evaluation of the S-Matrix; Path Integral Quantization; GAUGE FIELD THEORIES; Symmetry and Group Theory; Weak and Electromagnetic Interactions; Yang-Mills Fields; Spontaneously Broken Symmetry and the Higgs Mechanism; Standard Electroweak Model; The Strong Interactions and Quantum Chromodynamics; Grand Unified Theories; MODELS AND APPLICATIONS; Models for QCD; Non-Perturbative Methods in Gauge Field Theories; Deconfined Quarks and Gluons; Cosmology and Gauge Theories; Appendices; References; Index.