This 2002 book provides a thorough introduction to quantum theory of gauge fields, with emphasis on non-perturbative methods. Suitable as a textbook for advanced graduate courses in quantum field theory, it will also be of interest to researchers in high energy theory and condensed matter physics.

Cambridge University Press is committed to keeping scholarly work in print for as long as possible. A short print-run of this academic paperback has been produced using digital technology. This technology has enabled Cambridge to keep the book in print for specialists and students when traditional methods of reprinting would not have been feasible. While the new digital cover differs from the original, the text content is identical to that of previous printings.

Boundary conformal field theory is concerned with a class of two-dimensional quantum field theories which display a rich mathematical structure and have many applications ranging from string theory to condensed matter physics. In particular, the framework allows discussion of strings and branes directly at the quantum level. Written by internationally renowned experts, this comprehensive introduction to boundary conformal field theory reaches from theoretical foundations to recent developments, with an emphasis on the algebraic treatment of string backgrounds. Topics covered include basic concepts in conformal field theory with and without boundaries, the mathematical description of strings and D-branes, and the geometry of strongly curved spacetime. The book offers insights into string geometry that go beyond classical notions. Describing the theory from basic concepts, and providing numerous worked examples from conformal field theory and string theory, this reference is of interest to graduate students and researchers in physics and mathematics.

This 2016 volume, now reissued as OA, shows how conformal methods can be used to study Einstein's theory of gravity.

An introduction to integrable and non-integrable scalar field models, with topological and non-topological soliton solutions. Focusing on both topological and non-topological solitons, this book brings together discussion of solitary waves and construction of soliton solutions and provides a discussion of solitons using simple model examples.