Quantum field theory of condensed matter

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding introductory resources on quantum field theory (QFT) as it applies to condensed matter physics. Participants share various texts and resources, expressing the breadth of the topic and the challenge of finding concise introductions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a good introductory article on QFT in condensed matter physics, indicating some prior knowledge in both fields.
  • Another participant recommends several books, including "Quantum Field Theory in Condensed Matter Physics" by A. M. Tsvelik and "Principles of Condensed Matter Physics" by P. M. Chaikin & T. C. Lubensky, noting that the topic is vast.
  • Some participants express that while many books are available, they are looking for a quick introduction rather than comprehensive texts.
  • One participant mentions that conformal methods are complex and not suitable for a short review, suggesting that Zee's book covers several ideas well.
  • Several standard textbooks are listed, including works by Abrikosov, Gorkov & Dzyaloshinski, and Fetter & Walecka, with a note that these are not quick introductions.
  • Another participant recommends "Quantum Field Theory of Many-Body Systems" by Xiao-gang Wen as a suitable resource.
  • Alex Altland's "Condensed Matter Field Theory" is also mentioned positively by a participant.
  • One participant highlights that Mattuck's text is a shorter introduction compared to other recommended books.
  • Lecture notes from Ben Simons are shared as an additional resource for learning.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the topic is extensive and that finding a concise introduction is challenging. There are multiple recommendations for resources, but no consensus on a single introductory article or text.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the limitations of available resources, with participants acknowledging the complexity of the subject matter and the varying lengths and depths of the recommended texts.

malawi_glenn
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Hi

I was wondering if anyone has a good introductory article about QFT applied to condensed matter physics.

I know a bit about condensed matter physics, and a bit of QFT applied to particle physics.

thanx
 
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Hi,

"Quantum Field Theory in Condensed Matter Physics", A. M. Tsvelik @ CUP (1995, sec. ed. 2003).

"Principles of condensed matter physics", P. M. Chaikin & T. C. Lubensky @ CUP (1995)

"A Guide to Feynman Diagrams in the Many-body Problem" R. D. Mattuck @ Dover (1992)

Kittel's "Quantum Theory of Solids" is old, but I liked it.

Sorry, those are not articles. Until a condensed matter physicist provides you with such a review, you can look up for specific references of your insterest. I can dig them up from those books if you request more specifically what you are interested in, because the topic is quite vast.
 
yeah I have found many books on amazon and so on, but just wanted a quick introduction

thanx anyway:-)
 
malawi_glenn said:
yeah I have found many books on amazon and so on, but just wanted a quick introduction

thanx anyway:-)
Ah but as I said, the topic is incredibely wide. Conformal methods by themselves can be studied a life time long, and I do not believe they are simple enough to be in a short review. Zee's book deals quite well with quite a few ideas.

http://web.mit.edu/redingtn/www/netadv/biblio2.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
The standard textbooks are:
1. Abrikosov, Gorkov & Dzyaloshinski
2. Fetter & Wallecka
3. Mahan

None of these is a quick introduction. Mattuck's book is definitely a quicker read than any of the above. Also, a partial introduction can be had from the first 4 chapters of Schwabl (Adv. QM).
 
Recommend one book
Quantum Field Theory of Many-Body Systems
by Xiao-gang Wen
 
I like Alex Altland's book, "Condensed Matter Field Theory"
 
malawi_glenn said:
yeah I have found many books on amazon and so on, but just wanted a quick introduction

thanx anyway:-)

Mattuck's text is about the shortest intro to field theory in condensed matter physics, I learned quite a bit from it when I read it. The other texts mentioned are way too long for an introduction to the area.
 

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