Finite-Temperature Field Theory

Thoroughly revised, updated, and extended, this new edition develops the basic formalism and theoretical techniques for studying relativistic field theory at finite temperature and density. It starts with the path-integral representation of the partition function and then proceeds to develop diagrammatic perturbation techniques. Among topics covered are renormalization, linear response theory, spontaneous symmetry breaking, lattice gauge theory, and nucleation theory. Applications to astrophysics, cosmology, and relativistic nucleus-nucleus collisions are also included. The book includes end-of-chapter problems and is written for theorists in elementary particle physics, nuclear physics, astrophysics, and cosmology.