Solitons, instantons etc. -- Studying the general theory of solitons in QFT

[Gvido_Anselmi]

Hello everybody!
I've recently decided that I'm interested in supersymmetric solitons and want to work in this area for future 2 undergrad years. I wonder what is the best place to study the general theory of solitons in QFT? Is Rubakov "Classical gauge fields" really the best book for those who allready knows QFT?

 

[fzero]

The somewhat classic reference was Coleman's Aspects of Symmetry for a very physical introduction. A more complete treatment can be found in Rajaraman, Solitons and Instantons or the newer Manton and Sutcliffe, Topological Solitons. Rubakov seems to be a bit more recent than the latter, but I'm not familiar with it. I would highly recommend Coleman's book based on the quality of the presentation, but don't really have a preference for one of the other three texts.

 

[Gvido_Anselmi]

The somewhat classic reference was Coleman's Aspects of Symmetry for a very physical introduction. A more complete treatment can be found in Rajaraman, Solitons and Instantons or the newer Manton and Sutcliffe, Topological Solitons. Rubakov seems to be a bit more recent than the latter, but I'm not familiar with it. I would highly recommend Coleman's book based on the quality of the presentation, but don't really have a preference for one of the other three texts.

Thank you for this advice, Coleman is really good!