Quantum Field Theory in Curved Spacetime and Black Hole Thermodynamics
University of Chicago Press, 1994
Cloth: 978-0-226-87025-0 | Paper: 978-0-226-87027-4
Cloth: 978-0-226-87025-0 | Paper: 978-0-226-87027-4
ABOUT THIS BOOKAUTHOR BIOGRAPHYTABLE OF CONTENTS
ABOUT THIS BOOK
A clear and concise introduction to quantum field theory in curved spacetime
In this book, Robert Wald provides a coherent, pedagogical introduction to the formulation of quantum field theory in curved spacetime. He begins with a treatment of the ordinary one-dimensional quantum harmonic oscillator, progresses through the construction of quantum field theory in flat spacetime to possible constructions of quantum field theory in curved spacetime, and, ultimately, to an algebraic formulation of the theory. In his presentation, Wald disentangles essential features of the theory from inessential ones (such as a particle interpretation) and clarifies relationships between various approaches to the formulation of the theory. He also provides a comprehensive, up-to-date account of the Unruh effect, the Hawking effect, and some of its ramifications. In particular, the subject of black hole thermodynamics, which remains an active area of research, is treated in depth.
This book will be accessible to students and researchers who have had introductory courses in general relativity and quantum field theory, and will be of interest to scientists in general relativity and related fields.
In this book, Robert Wald provides a coherent, pedagogical introduction to the formulation of quantum field theory in curved spacetime. He begins with a treatment of the ordinary one-dimensional quantum harmonic oscillator, progresses through the construction of quantum field theory in flat spacetime to possible constructions of quantum field theory in curved spacetime, and, ultimately, to an algebraic formulation of the theory. In his presentation, Wald disentangles essential features of the theory from inessential ones (such as a particle interpretation) and clarifies relationships between various approaches to the formulation of the theory. He also provides a comprehensive, up-to-date account of the Unruh effect, the Hawking effect, and some of its ramifications. In particular, the subject of black hole thermodynamics, which remains an active area of research, is treated in depth.
This book will be accessible to students and researchers who have had introductory courses in general relativity and quantum field theory, and will be of interest to scientists in general relativity and related fields.
AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY
Robert M. Wald is professor of physics at the University of Chicago and the author of General Relativity and Space, Time, and Gravity, also published by the University of Chicago Press.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface
Notation, Conventions, and Terminology
1. Introduction and Overview
2. Quantum Mechanical Preliminaries
3. Quantum Fields in Flat Spacetime
4. Quantum Fields in Curved Spacetime
5. The Unruh Effect
6. Classical Black Hole Thermodynamics
7. The Hawking Effect
Appendix: Some Basic Definitions and Constructions Pertaining to Hilbert Spaces
References
Notation Index
General Index