Methods of Quantum Field Theory in Condensed Matter Physics : New Perspectives, Extensions and Applications

概要

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Throughout the course of its development in the past four decades quantum field theory has gradually acquired a very rich structure (much richer in fact than it was originally intended) and now provides us with an effective method in the analysis of many diverse areas of physics; condensed matter physics, high energy particle physics, general relativity and cosmology are among the more notable examples. Since condensed matter physics deals with those phenomena in which a system of quanta exist together with a variety of macroscopic objects at finite temperature, it may be said to manifest the fundamental properties of quantum field theory in its widest sense. Thus condensed matter physics has served as a powerful motivating force throughout the growth and development of quantum field theory. This process was indeed initiated by the celebrated Matsubara formalism of finite temperature Green's function method. This process is by no means complete since recent developments in many areas of physics demand a more sophisticated understanding with regard to the fundamental nature of quantum field theory. A brief description of this maturing process of quantum field theory in the past, present and prospects for the future will be the main content of this article.
理論物理学刊行会の論文
1985-03-31