Classical Covariant Fields

This 2002 book discusses the classical foundations of field theory, using the language of variational methods and covariance. It is an ideal supplementary text for courses on elementary field theory, group theory and dynamical systems, and a valuable reference for researchers. It has been reissued as an Open Access publication on Cambridge Core.

List of contents

Foreword; Part I. Fields: 1. Introduction; 2. The electromagnetic field; 3. Field parameters; 4. The action principle; 5. Classical field dynamics; 6. Statistical interpretation of the field; 7. Examples and applications; Part II. Groups and Fields: 8. Field transformations; 9. Spacetime transformations; 10. Kinematical and dynamical transformations; 11. Position and momentum; 12. Charge and current; 13. The non-relativistic limit; 14. Unified kinematics and dynamics; 15. Epilogue: quantum field theory; Part III. Reference: A Compendium of Fields: 16. Gallery of definitions; 17. The Schrödinger field; 18. The real Klein Gordon field; 19. The complex Klein Gordon field; 20. The Dirac field; 21. The Maxwell radiation field; 22. The massive Proca field; 23. Non-Abelian fields; 24. Chern-Simons theories; 25. Gravity as a field theory; Part IV. Appendices.

Product details

• Authors: Mark Burgess, Mark (Universitetet I Oslo) Burgess, Burgess Mark
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press ELT
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 01.03.2023
• EAN: 9781009289863
• ISBN: 978-1-0-0928986-3
• No. of pages: 75
• Series: Cambridge Monographs on Mathematical Physics; Cambridge Monographs on Mathem
• Subjects: Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Physics, astronomy > Theoretical physics; Non-fiction book > Nature, technology > Astronomy: general, reference works; SCIENCE / Physics / Mathematical & Computational, Physics