Introduction to Quantum Effects in GravityCambridge University Press, 14.06.2007 - 273 Seiten This book, first published in 2007, is an introductory textbook on quantum field theory in gravitational backgrounds intended for undergraduate and beginning graduate students in the fields of theoretical astrophysics, cosmology, particle physics, and string theory. The book covers the basic (but essential) material of quantization of fields in an expanding universe and quantum fluctuations in inflationary spacetime. It also contains a detailed explanation of the Casimir, Unruh, and Hawking effects, and introduces the method of effective action used for calculating the back-reaction of quantum systems on a classical external gravitational field. The broad scope of the material covered will provide the reader with a thorough perspective of the subject. Every major result is derived from first principles and thoroughly explained. The book is self-contained and assumes only a basic knowledge of general relativity. Exercises with detailed solutions are provided throughout the book. |
Inhalt
From harmonic oscillators to fields | 4 |
classical and quantum theory | 13 |
Driven harmonic oscillator | 33 |
20 | 39 |
29 | 49 |
Quantum fields in expanding universe | 64 |
Quantum fields in the de Sitter universe | 85 |
Hawking effect Thermodynamics of black holes | 109 |
Path integrals | 131 |
Effective action | 146 |
Calculation of heat kernel | 170 |
Results from effective action | 180 |
Mathematical supplement | 193 |
Backreaction derived from effective action | 212 |
Solutions to exercises | 218 |
272 | |
Häufige Begriffe und Wortgruppen
accelerated observer amplitude analytic continuation black hole boundary conditions calculations commutation relation complex numbers consider constant converges coordinate corresponding d³k d³x defined degrees of freedom described Dirac divergent effective action eigenvalues eigenvectors energy density equations of motion Euclidean Exercise expectation value expression finite Fourier functional derivative gaß gravitational field Green's function Gret Hamiltonian harmonic oscillator heat kernel Hermitian Hilbert space horizon infinite invariant Lagrangian lightcone linear Lorentzian matrix element metric Minkowski spacetime mode expansion mode functions momentum normalization obtain occupation numbers Oout operators â particles path integral physical quantization quantum field theory quantum theory relativistic renormalization result satisfy scalar field Schrödinger equation solution Substituting t₁ t₂ time-independent transform Unruh effect v₁ vacuum energy vacuum fluctuations variable vector wave function αβ μν ωκ