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Based on a highly regarded lecture course at Moscow State University, this is a clear and systematic introduction to gauge field theory. It is unique in providing the means to master gauge field theory prior to the advanced study of quantum mechanics. Though gauge field theory is typically included in courses on quantum field theory, many of its ideas and results can be understood at the classical or semi-classical level. Accordingly, this book is organized so that its early chapters require no special knowledge of quantum mechanics. Aspects of gauge field theory relying on quantum mechanics are introduced only later and in a graduated fashion--making the text ideal for students studying gauge field theory and quantum mechanics simultaneously. The book begins with the basic concepts on which gauge field theory is built. It introduces gauge-invariant Lagrangians and describes the spectra of linear perturbations, including perturbations above nontrivial ground states. The second part focuses on the construction and interpretation of classical solutions that exist entirely due to the nonlinearity of field equations: solitons, bounces, instantons, and sphalerons. The third section considers some of the interesting effects that appear due to interactions of fermions with topological scalar and gauge fields. Mathematical digressions and numerous problems are included throughout. An appendix sketches the role of instantons as saddle points of Euclidean functional integral and related topics. Perfectly suited as an advanced undergraduate or beginning graduate text, this book is an excellent starting point for anyone seeking to understand gauge fields.

Gauge fields (Physics) --- Champs de jauge (Physique) --- Gauge fields (Physics). --- Fields, Gauge (Physics) --- Gage fields (Physics) --- Gauge theories (Physics) --- Field theory (Physics) --- Group theory --- Symmetry (Physics)

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This 2002 book introduces the quantum theory of gauge fields. Emphasis is placed on four non-perturbative methods: path integrals, lattice gauge theories, the 1/N expansion, and reduced matrix models, all of which have important contemporary applications. Written as a textbook, it assumes a knowledge of quantum mechanics and elements of perturbation theory, while many relevant concepts are pedagogically introduced at a basic level in the first half of the book. The second half comprehensively covers large-N Yang-Mills theory. The book uses an approach to gauge theories based on path-dependent phase factors known as the Wilson loops, and contains problems with detailed solutions to aid understanding. Suitable for advanced graduate courses in quantum field theory, the book will also be of interest to researchers in high energy theory and condensed matter physics as a survey of recent developments in gauge theory.

Gauge fields (Physics) --- Mathematical physics. --- Physical mathematics --- Physics --- Fields, Gauge (Physics) --- Gage fields (Physics) --- Gauge theories (Physics) --- Field theory (Physics) --- Group theory --- Symmetry (Physics) --- Mathematics --- Gauge fields (Physics).

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This concise monograph is intended for students and scientists specializing in contemporary field theory, gravitation theory and modern differential geometry. The gauge theory as presented by the authors, incorporates Einstein's gravity into the universal picture of fundamental interactions and clarifies its physical nature as a Higgs field. A key point advanced here is the spontaneous breakdown of space-time symmetries according to the equivalence principle. The jet manifold generalization of the fibre bundle machinery is used to describe this symmetry breaking, degenerate Hamiltonian systems and general connections.

Gauge fields (Physics) --- Gravitation. --- Field theory (Physics) --- Matter --- Physics --- Antigravity --- Centrifugal force --- Relativity (Physics) --- Fields, Gauge (Physics) --- Gage fields (Physics) --- Gauge theories (Physics) --- Group theory --- Symmetry (Physics) --- Properties

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Gauge fields (Physics) --- 530.1 --- Fields, Gauge (Physics) --- Gage fields (Physics) --- Gauge theories (Physics) --- Field theory (Physics) --- Group theory --- Symmetry (Physics) --- Basic principles of physics --- 530.1 Basic principles of physics

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Wilson lines (also known as gauge links or eikonal lines) can be introduced in any gauge field theory. Although the concept of the Wilson exponentials finds an enormously wide range of applications in a variety of branches of modern quantum field theory, from condensed matter and lattice simulations to quantum chromodynamics, high-energy effective theories and gravity, there are surprisingly few books or textbooks on the market which contain comprehensive pedagogical introduction and consecutive exposition of the subject. The objective of this book is to get the potential reader acquainted with theoretical and mathematical foundations of the concept of the Wilson loops in the context of modern quantum field theory, to teach him/her to perform independently some elementary calculations with Wilson lines, and to familiarize him/her with the recent development of the subject in different important areas of research. The target audience of the book consists of graduate and postgraduate students working in various areas of quantum field theory, as well as researchers from other fields.

Loops (Group theory) --- Quantum field theory --- Gauge fields (Physics) --- Fields, Gauge (Physics) --- Gage fields (Physics) --- Gauge theories (Physics) --- Field theory (Physics) --- Group theory --- Symmetry (Physics) --- Relativistic quantum field theory --- Quantum theory --- Relativity (Physics) --- Loop groups --- Mathematics.