Description
This volume is a collection of lectures and selected papers by Giorgio Parisi on the subjects of Field Theory (perturbative expansions, nonperturbative phenomena and phase transitions), Disordered Systems (mainly spin glasses) and Computer Simulations (lattice gauge theories).The basic problems discussed in the Field Theory section concern the interplay between perturbation theory and nonperturbative phenomena which are present when one deals with infrared or ultraviolet divergences or with nonconvergent perturbative expansions. The section on Disordered Systems contains a complete discussion about the replica method and its probabilistic interpretation, and also includes a short paper on multifractals. In the Simulations section, there is a series of lectures devoted to the study of quantum chromodynamics and a review paper on simulations in complex systems.The works of Giorgio Parisi have repeatedly displayed a remarkable depth of originality and innovation, and have paved the way for new research in many areas. This personal selection of his lectures and papers, complete with an original introduction by him, undoubtedly serves as a vital reference book for physicists and mathematicians working in these fields.
Reviews
"... a selection of twenty-three of his papers, an impressive illustration ... his work on spin glasses and disordered systems has been awarded the 1992 Boltzman medal in statistical mechanics. This selection of Parisi's work ... touches upon many aspects of modern theoretical physics." "This book is a wonderful illustration of the unity and of the power of theoretical concepts in the hands of an amazingly imaginative physicist with universal interests. Very often one hears complaints about the hyperspecialization of modern science; indeed to make progress on a definite topic requires a good specialized background, but it does not prevent scientists with such a wide angle inquisitive mind to understand and contribute significantly to so many different areas. Fermi, Feynman, Landau were like that in their time; similarly Parisi has been illustrating over the last twenty years how much field theory, scaling, universality, complex systems, disordered systems ..., were powerful ways of looking at science. This collection of reprints contains a good illustration of this theme, with some articles which are not readily available in standard journals, and it is thus a pleasure to welcome this new book." Edouard Brezin ENS (France), 1992 "Parisi is the modern standard-bearer of a distinguished school of universal theorists which can be traced back to Fermi and Landau. This is not only due to the importance and originality of his scientific contributions but also for his efforts to disseminate what is known at the frontiers of knowledge to a larger audience of young physicists." "The breadth of coverage imparts a deep understanding of stochastic phenomena, field theory and disordered systems and their interrelations." "... a must for anyone seriously interested in field theory or the theory of disordered systems." Nicolas Sourlas Physics World, 1993 "Parisi, whose work spans a wide range of theoretical physics, was awarded the Boltzmann Medal in 1992 and his selection of lectures and papers will form a valuable reference for theorists working in these areas." Contemporary Physics, 1993 "This book contains some of the best lectures of Giorgio Parisi, given over the last 20 years at several schools and conferences (mainly Cargese and Les Houches), together with some research papers that are meant to complement them. The works have been selected by Parisi, who completes the book with an original introduction in which he gives reasons for the choices ... a very useful collection of material by one of the most outstanding physicists of his generation. The reader will enjoy the book and learn many things, even if already acquainted with the work of the author." Emili Elizalde Mathematical Reviews
Book Information
ISBN 9789810209643
Author Giorgio Parisi
Format Hardback
Page Count 512
Imprint World Scientific Publishing Co Pte Ltd
Publisher World Scientific Publishing Co Pte Ltd
Reviews
"... a selection of twenty-three of his papers, an impressive illustration ... his work on spin glasses and disordered systems has been awarded the 1992 Boltzman medal in statistical mechanics. This selection of Parisi's work ... touches upon many aspects of modern theoretical physics." "This book is a wonderful illustration of the unity and of the power of theoretical concepts in the hands of an amazingly imaginative physicist with universal interests. Very often one hears complaints about the hyperspecialization of modern science; indeed to make progress on a definite topic requires a good specialized background, but it does not prevent scientists with such a wide angle inquisitive mind to understand and contribute significantly to so many different areas. Fermi, Feynman, Landau were like that in their time; similarly Parisi has been illustrating over the last twenty years how much field theory, scaling, universality, complex systems, disordered systems ..., were powerful ways of looking at science. This collection of reprints contains a good illustration of this theme, with some articles which are not readily available in standard journals, and it is thus a pleasure to welcome this new book." Edouard Brezin ENS (France), 1992 "Parisi is the modern standard-bearer of a distinguished school of universal theorists which can be traced back to Fermi and Landau. This is not only due to the importance and originality of his scientific contributions but also for his efforts to disseminate what is known at the frontiers of knowledge to a larger audience of young physicists." "The breadth of coverage imparts a deep understanding of stochastic phenomena, field theory and disordered systems and their interrelations." "... a must for anyone seriously interested in field theory or the theory of disordered systems." Nicolas Sourlas Physics World, 1993 "Parisi, whose work spans a wide range of theoretical physics, was awarded the Boltzmann Medal in 1992 and his selection of lectures and papers will form a valuable reference for theorists working in these areas." Contemporary Physics, 1993 "This book contains some of the best lectures of Giorgio Parisi, given over the last 20 years at several schools and conferences (mainly Cargese and Les Houches), together with some research papers that are meant to complement them. The works have been selected by Parisi, who completes the book with an original introduction in which he gives reasons for the choices ... a very useful collection of material by one of the most outstanding physicists of his generation. The reader will enjoy the book and learn many things, even if already acquainted with the work of the author." Emili Elizalde Mathematical Reviews
Book Information
ISBN 9789810209643
Author Giorgio Parisi
Format Hardback
Page Count 512
Imprint World Scientific Publishing Co Pte Ltd
Publisher World Scientific Publishing Co Pte Ltd
