Quantum field theory

Quantum field theory (QFT) is the application of quantum mechanics to fields. It provides a theoretical framework, widely used in particle physics and condensed matter physics, in which to formulate consistent quantum theories of many-particle systems, especially in situations where particles may be created and destroyed. Non-relativistic quantum field theories are needed in condensed matter physics— for example in the BCS theory of superconductivity. Relativistic quantum field theories are indispensable in particle physics (see the standard model), although they are known to arise as effective field theories in condensed matter physics.

History

More details can be found in the article on the history of quantum field theory.

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Quantum field theory was created by Dirac when he attempted to quantize the electromagnetic field in the late 1920s. The early development of the field involved Fock, Jordan, Pauli, Heisenberg, Bethe, Tomonaga, Schwinger, Feynman, and Dyson. This phase of development culminated with the construction of the theory of quantum electrodynamics in the 1950s.

Related Topics:
Dirac - Quantize - Electromagnetic field - 1920s - Fock - Jordan - Pauli - Heisenberg - Bethe - Tomonaga - Schwinger - Feynman - Dyson - Quantum electrodynamics - 1950s

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Gauge theory was formulated and quantized, leading to the unification of forces embodied in the standard model of particle physics. This effort started in the 1950s with the work of Yang and Mills, was carried on by Martinus Veltman and a host of others during the 1960s and completed during the 1970s by the work of Gerard 't Hooft, Frank Wilczek, David Gross and David Politzer.

Related Topics:
Gauge theory - Quantized - Standard model - Particle physics - 1950s - Yang - Mills - Martinus Veltman - 1960s - 1970s - Gerard 't Hooft - Frank Wilczek - David Gross - David Politzer

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Parallel developments in the understanding of phase transitions in condensed matter physics led to the study of the renormalization group. This in turn led to the grand synthesis of theoretical physics which unified theories of particle and condensed matter physics through quantum field theory. This involved the work of Michael Fisher and Leo Kadanoff in the 1970s which led to the seminal reformulation of quantum field theory by Kenneth Wilson.

Related Topics:
Phase transitions - Condensed matter physics - Renormalization group - Michael Fisher - Leo Kadanoff - 1970s - Kenneth Wilson

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The study of quantum field theory is alive and flourishing, as are applications of this method to many physical problems. It remains one of the most vital areas of theoretical physics today, providing a common language to many branches of physics.

Related Topics:
Theoretical physics - Physics

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