Mathematical Aspects of Quantum Field Theory.

摘要

The evolution of the Standard Model in quantum field theory is the long story of a constant dialogue between experiment and theory and also a cautionary tale for mathematicians. To accommodate a vast array of experimental observations, the theory appears to have taken a Ptolemaic rather than a Copernican twist and is comprised of ingredients that don't have a conceptual unity in the same way that the geometriza-tion of gravity brought together space, time, and matter. Expecting conceptual order in the resolutely quantum universe of particle physics is probably quixotic, but I suspect that in spite of this many mathematicians will want to come to some understanding of the Standard Model. MAQFT provides a good first take on such a quest. After reading it, the mathematician can tackle G. Folland's tourist guide for mathematicians, Quantum Field Theory, and following that venture forth into S. Weinberg's three volume account, The Quantum Theory of Fields. Or perhaps not. MAQFT might well be enough to satisfy the itch.