Four forces are dominant in physics: gravity, electromagnetism and the weak and strong nuclear forces. Quantum electrodynamics - the highly successful theory of the electromagnetic interaction - is a gauge field theory, and it is now believed that the weak and strong forces also can be described by generalizations of this type of theory. In this short book Dr Aitchison gives an introduction to these theories, a knowledge of which is essential in understanding modern particle physics. With the assumption that the reader is already familiar with the rudiments of quantum field theory and Feynman graphs, his aim has been to provide a coherent, self-contained and yet elementary account of the theoretical principles and physical ideas behind gauge field theories.

In this short book Dr Aitchison gives an introduction to quantum electrodynamics, a knowledge of which is essential in understanding modern particle physics.
Reviews
'Aitchison's clear exposition of many difficult concepts will be hard to better.' Physics Bulletin
'A beautifully written book and a pleasure to read.' New Scientist
'Any thinking theoretical physicist should benefit from reading this book.' British Book News



Book Information
ISBN 9780521039543
Author Ian J. R. Aitchison
Format Paperback
Page Count 188
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 293g
Dimensions(mm) 228mm * 152mm * 14mm