A Guide to Feynman Diagrams in the Many-body Problem: Second Edition (Dover Books on Physics)

Book Details

• Author: R.D. Mattuck

• Publisher: Dover

• Edition: New edition of 2nd Revised edition

• Binding: Paperback

• Number of Pages: 429

• Release Date: 01-11-1992

• ISBN: 9780486670478

• Package Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 1.0 inches

• Languages: English

About The Book
"A great delight to read." – Physics Today

In the realm of modern physics, few areas are as rich and complex as many-body theory. Offering insights into fundamental results that span across the entire discipline, many-body theory has traditionally been regarded as difficult to access for non-specialists. However, R.D. Mattuck's "Many-Body Theory" breaks down these barriers, making this essential topic comprehensible to the average reader and experimenter.

This book is designed primarily as a self-study guide, focused on the method of Feynman diagrams, one of the most critical tools in many-body physics. It also serves as an excellent supplementary resource for courses in solid state and nuclear physics where many-body techniques are applied.

The work spans 16 chapters, starting with an accessible introduction to fundamental concepts such as Feynman diagrams, quasi-particles, and vacuum amplitudes. As the book progresses, it delves deeper into advanced topics such as Dyson’s equation, Fermi systems at finite temperature, and superconductivity. The inclusion of appendices detailing the Dirac formalism and a thorough derivation of diagram rules ensures that readers grasp both the mathematical and physical underpinnings of many-body theory.

In this second edition, Dr. Mattuck has enhanced the text with a new chapter on the quantum field theory of phase transitions and additional mathematical details on many-body calculations. He has also introduced new exercises, providing readers with the opportunity to engage with and solve practical many-body problems themselves.

A vital resource for students, researchers, and anyone with an interest in the fascinating world of many-body physics, this book is both a comprehensive reference and an accessible guide that successfully navigates a challenging yet essential aspect of modern physics.