Description
Book SynopsisThis text introduces the theoretical framework for describing the quark-gluon plasma, an important new state of matter. The first part is a self-contained introduction to the principles of relativistic thermal field theory. The second part details recent developments. Each chapter contains exercises and a guide to the literature.
Trade Review"...I found this to be a book which deals very competently with the rather intricate and messy calculations that arise when it is necessary to deal with equilibrium states rather than simple excitations of the vacuum state..." C.A. Hurst, Mathematical Reviews
Table of ContentsPreface; 1. Introduction; 2. Quantum statistical mechanics; 3. The scalar field at finite temperature; 4. Simple applications of perturbation; 5. Dirac and gauge fields at finite temperature; 6. Collective excitations in a plasma; 7. Hard thermal loops and resummation; 8. Dynamical screening; 9. Neutrino emission from stars; 10. Infrared problems at finite temperature; Appendices; References.
