Quantum field theory was originally developed to describe quantum electrodynamics and other fundamental problems in high-energy physics, but today has become an invaluable conceptual and mathematical framework for addressing problems across physics, including in condensed-matter and statistical physics. With this expansion of applications has come a new and deeper understanding of quantum field theory—yet this perspective is still rarely reflected in teaching and textbooks on the subject. Developed from a year-long graduate course Eduardo Fradkin has taught for years to students of high-energy, condensed-matter, and statistical physics, this comprehensive textbook provides a fully “multicultural” approach to quantum field theory, covering the full breadth of its applications in one volume.

Brings together perspectives from high-energy, condensed-matter, and statistical physics in both the main text and exercises
Takes students from basic techniques to the frontiers of physics
Pays special attention to the relation between measurements and propagators and the computation of cross sections and response functions
Focuses on renormalization and the renormalization group, with an emphasis on fixed points, scale invariance, and their role in quantum field theory and phase transitions
Other topics include non-perturbative phenomena, anomalies, and conformal invariance
Features numerous examples and extensive problem sets
Also serves as an invaluable resource for researchers