referframe said:Can anybody recommend a good introduction to QFT book? I'm looking for something that just barely classifies as a textbook, with lots of tutorial verbiage between the equations. Thanks in advance.
The only way to satisfy yourself is to be able to the computations. Only if you can manipulate the concepts you may have the opportunity to form your own understanding. Itzykson & Zuber, Weinberg, Peskin & Schroeder, even Zee, they all have exercises. Weinberg is worth having because it's fairly different. Canonical quantisation is postponed to the 7th chapter. I also love Ramond's Primers books.JustSam said:I've given up on actual "Intro to QFT" books, because it seems like there is always some point, whether in the first chapter or the second or the third, where I suddenly go from understanding everything to understanding nothing.
Edgardo said:
I do not claim objectivity, because I did learn QFT by myself using Weinberg for almost 2 years in the evenings. But I'd like to say, really understanding QFT will amount to pulling a teeth, no matter how. Much latter, when I was being taught QFT in school for a short 6 months, the other students kept being confused. QFT is hard, and can not be learned in 6 months. The notation in Weinberg is difficult, because it is rigorous, and it requires attention at every line to think of the objects manipulated. What's great about Weinberg is that you can not read Weinberg and say "hold on, why could it not be different ?". The axioms are rigorously spelled out and details derivations are included.“How to get started learning QFT as an undergraduate.” said:Weinberg, The Quantum Theory of Fields, Vol I.
One of my favorite Zee quotes (from his ASTI lectures, I believe) is that, “The only person who can understand Weinberg is Weinberg.” The three volume set is a treasure trove of insight into QFT by one of the greats. Unfortunately, it’s nearly unreadable for someone who hasn’t studied QFT before. Even the typesetting, with its super-curly letters, is opaque. What I like about it: This is QFT taught by someone who’s spent a lot of time thinking about it (and contributing significantly to its development!). It’s full of lots of really deep insights. Why I was confused: … but for someone with no prior QFT background, extracting knowledge from Weinberg is like pulling teeth. His first volume approaches the subject from a different direction than any other text, making sure to take time to point out several subtleties along the way. A proper reading requires respectable background of representation theory. Conclusion: The first chapter is a good read as it presents a historical introduction to QFT. Otherwise, one can hold off on Weinberg until after finishing Peskin. I’ve started using Weinberg as a reference for particular topics (after some background), and have found his books very useful in this respect.
No. We used Peskin & Schroeder. It is really a reference in the academic world.Landau said:Question: did your class use Weinberg as the (prescribed) textbook?
referframe said:Can anybody recommend a good introduction to QFT book? I'm looking for something that just barely classifies as a textbook, with lots of tutorial verbiage between the equations. Thanks in advance.
Landau said:I heard good things about https://www.amazon.com/dp/0750309822/?tag=pfamazon01-20.
Quantum field theory (QFT) is a theoretical framework used to describe the behavior of particles at the subatomic level. It combines elements of quantum mechanics and special relativity to explain the interactions between particles and fields.
Intro to QFT books typically cover the basic principles of QFT, including concepts such as quantization, symmetries, and Feynman diagrams. They may also cover specific applications of QFT in different fields, such as particle physics or cosmology.
Intro to QFT books are typically recommended for students and researchers in physics, particularly those interested in quantum mechanics and particle physics. Some background knowledge in these areas is usually required to fully understand the material.
A good Intro to QFT book should provide a clear and comprehensive introduction to the subject, covering both theoretical concepts and practical applications. It should also include exercises and examples to help readers understand and apply the concepts.
Yes, there are several highly recommended Intro to QFT books, including "Quantum Field Theory for the Gifted Amateur" by Tom Lancaster and Stephen J. Blundell, "Introduction to Quantum Field Theory" by Michael E. Peskin and Daniel V. Schroeder, and "A Modern Introduction to Quantum Field Theory" by Michele Maggiore.