I References for Hamiltonian field theory and Dirac Brackets

AI Thread Summary
Complete and detailed references on constrained Hamiltonian systems and Dirac brackets are sought, particularly in the context of electrodynamics. The discussion highlights a dissatisfaction with existing quantum field theory texts, such as Weinberg, which provide only brief coverage of these topics. Recommended foundational texts include "Quantization of Gauge Theories" by Henneaux and Teitelboim, and "Constrained Dynamics" by Sundermayer. These works are considered essential for a comprehensive understanding of the theory. Engaging with these references will provide a thorough exposition from the ground up.
andresB
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I'm looking for complete and detailed references on constrained Hamiltonian systems and Dirac brackets. While my main interest is electrodynamics, I would prefer a complete exposition of the theory from the ground up.

So far, my knowledge about the topic comes from books in QFT, like Weinberg. But those books just want to get over with it quickly and go to QED, so it is somewhat unsatisfactory.

So, any good reference out there?
 
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Absolutely, it is the "bible" Henneaux, M., Teitelboim, C. "Quantization of Gauge Theories", or Sundermayer, K. "Constrained Dynamics".
 
Thread 'Gauss' law seems to imply instantaneous electric field'

Thread 'Gauss' law seems to imply instantaneous electric field'

Imagine a charged sphere at the origin connected through an open switch to a vertical grounded wire. We wish to find an expression for the horizontal component of the electric field at a distance ##\mathbf{r}## from the sphere as it discharges. By using the Lorenz gauge condition: $$\nabla \cdot \mathbf{A} + \frac{1}{c^2}\frac{\partial \phi}{\partial t}=0\tag{1}$$ we find the following retarded solutions to the Maxwell equations If we assume that...
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Thread 'Gauss' law seems to imply instantaneous electric field (version 2)'

Thread 'Gauss' law seems to imply instantaneous electric field (version 2)'

This argument is another version of my previous post. Imagine that we have two long vertical wires connected either side of a charged sphere. We connect the two wires to the charged sphere simultaneously so that it is discharged by equal and opposite currents. Using the Lorenz gauge ##\nabla\cdot\mathbf{A}+(1/c^2)\partial \phi/\partial t=0##, Maxwell's equations have the following retarded wave solutions in the scalar and vector potentials. Starting from Gauss's law $$\nabla \cdot...
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