Quantum Geometry: A Statistical Field Theory Approach (Cambridge Monographs on Mathematical Physics) - Softcover

Ambjørn, Jan; Durhuus, Bergfinnur; Jonsson, Thordur

Softcover

ISBN 10: 052101736X ISBN 13: 9780521017367

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2005

Synopsis

This graduate level text describes in a unified fashion the statistical mechanics of random walks, random surfaces and random higher dimensional manifolds with an emphasis on the geometrical aspects of the theory and applications to the quantization of strings, gravity and topological field theory. With chapters on random walks, random surfaces, two-and higher-dimensional quantum gravity, topological quantum field theories and Monte Carlo simulations of random geometries, the text provides a self-contained account of quantum geometry from a statistical field theory point of view. The approach uses discrete approximations and develops analytical and numerical tools. Continuum physics is recovered through scaling limits at phase transition points and the relation to conformal quantum field theories coupled to quantum gravity is described. The most important numerical work is covered, but the main aim is to develop mathematically precise results that have wide applications. Many diagrams and references are included.

About this title

Book Description

This book is about the influence of chance and fluctuating shape in quantum physics. It covers new research in some of the most exciting developments in modern physics, including string theory, gravity theory, and membrane physics. As a research text, the book is technical, but the authors have taken great care to focus on general methods with the widest possible applications. The authors are all highly respected for their original work in this area. The text will be of interest to graduate students and researchers in theoretical physics, particle physics, cosmology and mathematics.

Review

"It was a pleasure to look through this book. It is apparent that every effort was made to write a complete advanced text on the current status of triangulations in quantum gravity. This book is a must for anyone in this field." E. J. Janse van Rensburg, Mathematical Reviews

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 052101736X
• ISBN 13: 9780521017367
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 380