Introduction to Quantum Effects in Gravity

This book, first published in 2007, is an introductory textbook on quantum field theory in gravitational backgrounds intended for undergraduate and beginning graduate students in the fields of theoretical astrophysics, cosmology, particle physics, and string theory. The book covers the basic (but essential) material of quantization of fields in an expanding universe and quantum fluctuations in inflationary spacetime. It also contains a detailed explanation of the Casimir, Unruh, and Hawking effects, and introduces the method of effective action used for calculating the back-reaction of quantum systems on a classical external gravitational field. The broad scope of the material covered will provide the reader with a thorough perspective of the subject. Every major result is derived from first principles and thoroughly explained. The book is self-contained and assumes only a basic knowledge of general relativity. Exercises with detailed solutions are provided throughout the book.

Author: Viatcheslav Mukhanov, Sergei Winitzki
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 06/25/2007
Pages: 284
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.60lbs
Size: 9.93h x 7.08w x 0.75d
ISBN: 9780521868341

About the Author
Mukhanov, Viatcheslav: - VIATCHESLAV MUKHANOV is Professor of Physics at Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich. His main result is the theory of inflationary cosmological perturbations. Professor Mukhanov is author of Physical Foundations of Cosmology (Cambridge University Press, 2005). He also serves on the editorial boards of leading research journals and is Scientific Director of the Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics (JCAP).Winitzki, Sergei: - SERGEI WINITZKI is Research Associate in the Department of Physics at Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich. His main areas of research include quantum cosmology, the theory of dark energy, the global structure of spacetime, and quantum gravity.