Quantum Electrodynamics

The formalism of quantum electrodynamics, using a special perturbation theory with matrix propagators, is systematically analyzed. The authors propose solutions for real pair-creating fields, discussing the general form for the causal function and other Green functions.

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Intense external fields destabilize vacuum by introducing the creation of particle pairs. In this book the formalism of quantum electrodynamics (QED), using a special perturbation theory with matrix propagators, is systematically analyzed for such systems. The developed approach is, however, general for any quantum field with unstable vacuum. In addition to a description of the theory, the authors propose solutions for real pair-creating fields. They discuss the general form for the causal function and many other Green functions, as well as methods for finding them. Analogies for the optical theorem and rules for computing total probabilities are given, as are solutions for non-Abelian theories. This monograph on elementary particle physics, electrodynamics, quantized fields, quantum mechanics, fields and particles, nuclear physics, mathematical physics is intended for postgraduates, researchers and students.