This monograph provides an introduction to field-theoretic simulations in classical soft matter and Bose quantum fluids. The method represents a new class of molecular computer simulation in which continuous fields, rather than particle coordinates, are sampled and evolved. Field-theoretic simulations are capable of analysing the properties of systems that are challenging for traditional simulation techniques, including dense phases of high molecular weight polymers, self-assembling fluids, and quantum fluids at finite temperature. The monograph details analytical methods for converting classical and quantum many-body problems to equilibrium field theory models with a molecular basis. Numerical methods are described that enable efficient, accurate, and scalable simulations of such models on modern computer hardware, including graphics processing units (GPUs). Extensions to non-equilibrium systems are discussed, along with an introduction to advanced field-theoretic simulation techniques including free energy estimation, alternative ensembles, coarse-graining, and variable cell methods.

This monograph provides an introduction to field-theoretic simulations in classical soft matter and Bose quantum fluids. The method represents a new class of molecular computer simulation in which continuous fields, rather than particle coordinates, are sampled and evolved.

This primer is aimed at elevating graduate students of condensed matter theory to a level where they can engage in independent research. Topics covered include second quantisation, path and functional field integration, mean-field theory and collective phenomena.

This monograph presents recent developments in quantum field theory at finite temperature. By using Lie groups, ideas from thermal theory are considered with concepts of symmetry, allowing for applications not only to quantum field theory but also to transport theory, quantum optics and statistical mechanics. This includes an analysis of geometrical and topological aspects of spatially confined systems with applications to the Casimir effect, superconductivity and phase transitions. Finally, some developments in open systems are also considered. The book provides a unified picture of the fundamental aspects in thermal quantum field theory and their applications, and is important to the field as a result, since it combines several diverse ideas that lead to a better understanding of different areas of physics.

Part I gives a detailed, self-contained and mathematically rigorous exposition of classical conformal symmetry in n dimensions and its quantization in two dimensions. The conformal groups are determined and the appearence of the Virasoro algebra in the context of the quantization of two-dimensional conformal symmetry is explained via the classification of central extensions of Lie algebras and groups. Part II surveys more advanced topics of conformal field theory such as the representation theory of the Virasoro algebra, conformal symmetry within string theory, an axiomatic approach to Euclidean conformally covariant quantum field theory and a mathematical interpretation of the Verlinde formula in the context of moduli spaces of holomorphic vector bundles on a Riemann surface.

The book discusses fundamental aspects of Quantum Field Theory and of Gauge theories, with attention to mathematical consistency. Basic issues of the standard model of elementary particles (Higgs mechanism and chiral symmetry breaking in quantum Chromodynamics) are treated without relying on the perturbative expansion and on instanton calculus.

A unique approach to quantum field theory, with emphasis on the principles of renormalization Quantum field theory is frequently approached from the perspective of particle physics. This book adopts a more general point of view and includes applications of condensed matter physics. Written by a highly respected writer and researcher, it first develops traditional concepts, including Feynman graphs, before moving on to key topics such as functional integrals, statistical mechanics, and Wilson's renormalization group. The connection between the latter and conventional perturbative renormalization is explained. Quantum Field Theory is an exceptional textbook for graduate students familiar with advanced quantum mechanics as well as physicists with an interest in theoretical physics. It features: * Coverage of quantum electrodynamics with practical calculations and a discussion of perturbative renormalization * A discussion of the Feynman path integrals and a host of current subjects, including the physical approach to renormalization, spontaneous symmetry breaking and superfluidity, and topological excitations * Nineteen self-contained chapters with exercises, supplemented with graphs and charts

The importance and the beauty of modern quantum field theory resides in the power and variety of its methods and ideas, which find application in domains as different as particle physics, cosmology, condensed matter, statistical mechanics and critical phenomena. This book introduces the reader to the modern developments in a manner which assumes no previous knowledge of quantum field theory. Along with standard topics like Feynman diagrams, the book discusses effective lagrangians, renormalization group equations, the path integral formulation, spontaneous symmetry breaking and non-abelian gauge theories. The inclusion of more advanced topics will also make this a most useful book for graduate students and researchers.

Introduction. Role of modeling in soft matter physics / D. Frenkel -- 1. Applications of density functional theory in soft condensed matter / H. Lowen -- 2. Polymer phase separation / M. Muller -- 3. Self-consistent field theory of block copolymers / F. Qiu, A.-C. Shi and Y. Yang -- 4. Dynamic self-consistent field theories for polymer blends and block copolymers / T. Kawakatsu -- 5. Molecular dynamics in crystallization of helical polymers : crystal ordering and chirality selection / T. Yamamoto -- 6. Interplay of liquid-liquid demixing and polymer crystallization / W. Hu -- 7. Elucidation of single molecular observation of a giant DNA / C.-Y. Shew and K. Yoshikawa -- 8. Theoretical modeling of hydrogen bonding in macro-molecular solutions : the combination of quantum mechanics and molecular mechanics / J. Ma, N. Jiang and H. Li -- 9. Exotic electrostatics : unusual features of electrostatic interactions between macroions / A. Naji ... [et al.] -- 10. Computer modeling of liquid crystals / R. Hashim -- 11. Drop dynamics in complex fluids / J. J. Feng ... [et al.]

Now in paperback, this book provides an overview of the physics of condensed matter systems. Assuming a familiarity with the basics of quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics, the book establishes a general framework for describing condensed phases of matter, based on symmetries and conservation laws. It explores the role of spatial dimensionality and microscopic interactions in determining the nature of phase transitions, as well as discussing the structure and properties of materials with different symmetries. Particular attention is given to critical phenomena and renormalization group methods. The properties of liquids, liquid crystals, quasicrystals, crystalline solids, magnetically ordered systems and amorphous solids are investigated in terms of their symmetry, generalised rigidity, hydrodynamics and topological defect structure. In addition to serving as a course text, this book is an essential reference for students and researchers in physics, applied physics, chemistry, materials science and engineering, who are interested in modern condensed matter physics.