Twistor Geometry and Field Theory (Cambridge Monographs on Mathematical Physics) - Softcover

Ward, R. S.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 052142268X ISBN 13: 9780521422680

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2008

Synopsis

This book deals with the twistor treatment of certain linear and non-linear partial differential equations in mathematical physics. The description in terms of twistors involves algebraic and differential geometry, and several complex variables, and results in a different kind of setting that gives a new perspective on the properties of space-time and field theories. The book is designed to be used by mathematicians and physicists and so the authors have made it reasonably self-contained. The first part contains a development of the necessary mathematical background. In the second part, Yang-Mills fields and gravitational fields (the basic fields of contemporary physics) are described at the classical level. In the final part, the mathematics and physics are married to solve a number of field-theoretical problems.

About this title

Review

"... skillfully written. It will serve as a relatively accessible introduction to twistor theory for many readers who have not studied the subject before. Others will find it useful as a refresher and as a source of many valuable insights." Nature

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 052142268X
• ISBN 13: 9780521422680
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 532