Boundary Conformal Field Theory and the Worldsheet Approach to D-Branes

Boundary Conformal Field Theory and the Worldsheet Approach to D-Branes PDF

Author: Andreas Recknagel

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2013-11-28

Total Pages: 349

ISBN-13: 1107511801

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Boundary conformal field theory is concerned with a class of two-dimensional quantum field theories which display a rich mathematical structure and have many applications ranging from string theory to condensed matter physics. In particular, the framework allows discussion of strings and branes directly at the quantum level. Written by internationally renowned experts, this comprehensive introduction to boundary conformal field theory reaches from theoretical foundations to recent developments, with an emphasis on the algebraic treatment of string backgrounds. Topics covered include basic concepts in conformal field theory with and without boundaries, the mathematical description of strings and D-branes, and the geometry of strongly curved spacetime. The book offers insights into string geometry that go beyond classical notions. Describing the theory from basic concepts, and providing numerous worked examples from conformal field theory and string theory, this reference is of interest to graduate students and researchers in physics and mathematics.

The Theory and Applications of Instanton Calculations

The Theory and Applications of Instanton Calculations PDF

Author: Manu Paranjape

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2017-11-16

Total Pages: 325

ISBN-13: 110854763X

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Instantons, or pseudoparticles, are solutions to the equations of motion in classical field theories on a Euclidean spacetime. Instantons are found everywhere in quantum theories as they have many applications in quantum tunnelling. Diverse physical phenomena may be described through quantum tunnelling, for example: the Josephson effect, the decay of meta-stable nuclear states, band formation in tight binding models of crystalline solids, the structure of the gauge theory vacuum, confinement in 2+1 dimensions, and the decay of superheated or supercooled phases. Drawing inspiration from Sidney Coleman's Erice lectures, this volume provides an accessible, detailed introduction to instanton methods, with many applications, making it a valuable resource for graduate students in many areas of physics, from condensed matter, particle and nuclear physics, to string theory.

Noether Symmetries in Theories of Gravity

Noether Symmetries in Theories of Gravity PDF

Author: Francesco Bajardi

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2022-11-30

Total Pages: 451

ISBN-13: 1009208748

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This volume summarizes the many modified theories of gravity and shows how to select physically viable models using symmetry principles.

Supersymmetry, Supergravity, and Unification

Supersymmetry, Supergravity, and Unification PDF

Author: Pran Nath

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2017

Total Pages: 539

ISBN-13: 0521197023

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This book offers a comprehensive discussion of developments at the interface of particle physics, supergravity, and cosmology, for graduates and researchers.

The Large Scale Structure of Space-Time

The Large Scale Structure of Space-Time PDF

Author: Stephen W. Hawking

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2023-02-16

Total Pages: 414

ISBN-13: 1009253182

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First published in 1973, this influential work discusses Einstein's General Theory of Relativity to show how two of its predictions arise: first, that the ultimate fate of many massive stars is to undergo gravitational collapse to form 'black holes'; and second, that there was a singularity in the past at the beginning of the universe. Starting with a precise formulation of the theory, including the necessary differential geometry, the authors discuss the significance of space-time curvature and examine the properties of a number of exact solutions of Einstein's field equations. They develop the theory of the causal structure of a general space-time, and use it to prove a number of theorems establishing the inevitability of singularities under certain conditions. A Foreword contributed by Abhay Ashtekar and a new Preface from George Ellis help put the volume into context of the developments in the field over the past fifty years.

Integrability: From Statistical Systems to Gauge Theory

Integrability: From Statistical Systems to Gauge Theory PDF

Author: Patrick Dorey

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2019-07-24

Total Pages: 608

ISBN-13: 0192563319

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This volume, 106 of the Les Houches Summer School series, brings together applications of integrability to supersymmetric gauge and string theory. The book focuses on the application of integrability and problems in quantum field theory. Particular emphasis is given to the exact solution of planar N=4 super-Yang-Mills theory and its relation with string theory on the one hand, and the exact determination of the low-energy physics of N=2 super-Yang-Mills theories on the other; links with other domains are also explored. The purpose of the Les Houches Summer School was to bring together young researchers and specialists from statistical physics, condensed matter physics, gauge and string theory, and mathematics, to stimulate discussion across these different research areas.

Particle Physics of Brane Worlds and Extra Dimensions

Particle Physics of Brane Worlds and Extra Dimensions PDF

Author: Sreerup Raychaudhuri

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2016-04-25

Total Pages: 343

ISBN-13: 1316571513

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The possibility that we live in a higher-dimensional world with spatial dimensions greater than three started with the early work of Kaluza and Klein. However, in addressing experimental constraints, early model-builders were forced to compactify these extra dimensions to very tiny scales. With the development of brane-world scenarios it became possible to consider novel compactifications which allow the extra dimensions to be large or to provide observable effects of these dimensions at experimentally accessible energy scales. This book provides a comprehensive account of these recent developments, keeping the high-energy physics implications in focus. After an historical survey of the idea of extra dimensions, the book deals in detail with models of large extra dimensions, warped extra dimensions and other models such as universal extra dimensions. The theoretical and phenomenological implications are discussed in a pedagogical manner for both researchers and graduate students.