Basics of Thermal Field Theory

After obtaining a PhD in theoretical physics from the University of Helsinki, in 1994, Mikko Laine held postdoctoral positions at the University of Heidelberg, 1995 - 1997, and at the Theory Division at CERN, 1997 - 2003. For 2003 - 2012 he was a professor of theoretical physics at the University of Bielefeld; since 2012 he is a professor of theoretical physics at the University of Bern.Aleksi Vuorinen obtained his PhD in theoretical physics from the University of Helsinki in 2004, and thereafter worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Washington, 2004-2007, the Technical University of Vienna, 2007, as well as the Theory Division of CERN, 2008-2009. From 2009 to 2013, he headed a Sofja Kovalevskaja research group at the University of Bielefeld, after which he returned to Helsinki, where he currently works as a research group leader at the Helsinki Institute of Physics.

Preface.- Notation.- General Outline.- Quantum Mechanics.- Free Scalar Fields.-Interacting Scalar Fields.- Fermions.- Gauge Fields.- Low-Energy Effective Field Theories.- Finite Density.- Real-Time Observables.- Applications.- Index.

"It gives a very good introduction to perturbative finite-temperature quantum field theory. In particular, the derivations are very detailed, explaining carefully potential pitfalls other texts may just glance over. As such the book is also suitable for self-studies for researchers interested in thermal quantum field theory. ... In summary, this book closes a gap between standard master-level university courses on (non-thermal) quantum field theory and current research in perturbative finite-temperature quantum field theory." (Stefan Weinzierl, zbMATH 1356.81007, 2017)