A Prelude to Quantum Field Theory

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This concise, beginner-friendly introduction to quantum field theory serves as a bridge from quantum mechanics, essential for many modern applications. It presents key concepts in an accessible manner while maintaining mathematical rigor, making it suitable for newcomers who may struggle with the transition from quantum mechanics. The text emphasizes analogies and differences between quantum mechanics and quantum field theory, fostering a "quantum field theoretical mindset." It derives quantum fields as the continuum limit of a quantized system of many particles and highlights the correspondence between wave functions, fundamental in quantum mechanics, and the formalism of second quantization in quantum field theory. The book provides a step-by-step derivation of Feynman rules for perturbative studies of interacting theories and introduces students to essential topics such as renormalization and path integral techniques. Additionally, it covers modern subjects like effective field theories, making it ideal for both undergraduate and graduate students. Proven effective in the classroom, this textbook distills the most general properties of quantum field theory without overwhelming beginning students with advanced applications.