Which Quantum Field Theory Books Are Best for Condensed Matter Physics?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The forum discussion focuses on recommendations for quantum field theory (QFT) books tailored for condensed matter physics (CMP). A notable mention is "Quarks and Leptons" by Halzen and Martin, which provides a physical introduction to QFT and quantum chromodynamics (QCD) while maintaining a balance between rigor and accessibility. Participants seek additional resources that bridge the gap between statistical mechanics techniques and their applications in condensed matter contexts. The emphasis is on finding texts that are less mathematically intensive yet still informative for those familiar with quantum mechanics (QM).

PREREQUISITES
  • Familiarity with quantum mechanics (QM)
  • Basic understanding of statistical mechanics
  • Knowledge of quantum field theory (QFT) fundamentals
  • Awareness of quantum chromodynamics (QCD) principles
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "Quantum Field Theory in a Nutshell" by Anthony Zee for a comprehensive overview
  • Explore "Quantum Field Theory" by Franz Mandl and Graham Shaw for a more mathematical approach
  • Investigate "Quantum Field Theory and Statistical Mechanics: A Mathematical Approach" by A. O. Barut
  • Study "Condensed Matter Field Theory" by Alexander Altland and Ben Simons for specific applications in CMP
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physicists, graduate students, and researchers in condensed matter physics seeking to deepen their understanding of quantum field theory and its applications in the field.

MalleusScientiarum
Can anybody recommend some good quantum field theory books for introduction to the subject? I am already familiar with some of the techniques from applications to statistical mechanics, but I would like to see them in a different context.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I like a book by Halzen and Martin. The title is "Quarks and Leptons", but it gives a nice physical introduction to QFT and QCD that is rigorous, but less mathematical than most treatments. It assumes you have a good knowledge of QM.
 
How about a qft book that's specifically useful for cm physics?
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Intersection of Condensed Matter Theory + High Energy Physics
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
1K
Undergrad Why is m_j not a good quantum number in strong-field Zeeman effect?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Graduate QFT with vanishing vacuum expectation value and perturbation theory
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Graduate Confusion about creation/annihilation operators with interaction
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Graduate Quantum Field theory vs. many-body Quantum Mechanics
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
7K
Graduate General Covariance in Quantum Field Theory
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Graduate Measurement in QFT: Mapping Fields to Theory's Math Formalism
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
4K
Graduate Multiparticle Relativistic Quantum Mechanics in an external potential
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
Graduate Does quantizing metric fields mean quantum gravity?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Graduate Cause and effect and quantum field theory
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K