A Primer on String Theory

EAN: 9781107160019
Published 06/07/2017
Language: English

Since its conception in the 1960s, string theory has been hailed as one of the most promising routes we have to unify quantum mechanics and general relativity. This book provides a concise introduction to string theory explaining central concepts, mathematical tools and covering recent developments in physics including compactifications and gauge/string dualities. With string theory being a multidisciplinary field interfacing with high energy physics, mathematics and quantum field theory, this book is ideal for both students with no previous knowledge of the field and scholars from other disciplines who are looking for an introduction to basic concepts.

Preface
1. Historical introduction and overview
Part I. Strings in Flat Backgrounds
2. The classical closed bosonic string
3. Free bosonic quantum field theory
4. Covariant quantization
5. Light-cone quantization
6. Branes and quantization of open strings
7. Open strings and gauge theory
8. Free fermionic quantum field theory
9. Supersymmetry in ten dimensions
10. Construction of type IIA/B superstrings
11. Branes in type II superstring theory
12. Construction of heterotic superstrings
Part II. Strings in Curved Backgrounds
13. Introduction to conformal field theory
14. Modular invariants and orbifolds
15. Closed strings on the 3-sphere
16. Calabi-Yau spaces
17. Calabi–Yau compactifications
18. String dualities
19. Gauge/string dualities
20. AdS/CFT correspondence
Bibliography
Index.