Quarks, Gluons and Lattices

• Preface; 1. Quarks and gluons; 2. Lattices; 3. Path integrals and statistical mechanics; 4. Scalar fields; 5. Fermions; 6. Gauge fields; 7. Lattice gauge theory; 8. Group integration; 9. Gauge-invariance and order parameters; 10. Strong coupling; 11. Weak coupling; 12. Renormalization and the continuum limit; 13. Asymptotic freedom and dimensional transmutation; 14. Mean field theory; 15. The Hamiltonian approach; 16. Discrete groups and duality; 17. Migdal-Kadanoff recursion relations; 18. Monte Carlo simulation I: the method; 19. Monte Carlo simulation II: measuring observables; 20. Beyond the Wilson action; References; Index.

'The purpose of Mike Creutz's elegant book is to provide a gentle introduction to the basic results in lattice field theory. It succeeds admirably. Without drowning the reader in detail, sufficient background is given to make the book very readable and provide an easy route to the research literature. Enough examples of calculation are given to develop real confidence in manipulating gauge groups, group integrals, duality and all the other tools of the trade. I recommend the book in the strongest terms to all interested in the fundamental structure of nature and the surprises quantum field theory has in store.' Nature