Path Integrals in Quantum Mechanics

The mathematical formalism based on path integrals, as introduced by Feynman, has changed our view about quantum mechanics. The modern theory of fundamental interactions at the microscopic level (quantum field theory) is hardly comprehensible without path integrals. Moreover, path integrals have allowed us to establish a direct mathematical relation between the theory of ordinary phase transitions and quantum field theory. The goal of this book is to introduce students to this topic within the context of ordinary quantum mechanics and non-relativistic many-body theory, before facing the problems associated with the more involved quantum field theory formalism.