Particles, Fields, Quanta

Gerhard Ecker studied theoretical physics with Walter Thirring at the University of Vienna. His research focus has been on theoretical particle physics, in particular during several long-term visits at CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research in Geneva. In 1986 he was promoted to Professor of Theoretical Physics at the University of Vienna. Since 1977 he has given both basic lectures in theoretical physics and advanced courses on different topics in particle physics, e.g., quantum field theory, symmetry groups in particle physics and renormalisation in quantum field theory.

• 1 Introduction.- 2 Physics around 1900.- 3 The path to quantum mechanics.- 4 Why quantum field theory? 5 Quantum electrodynamics: prototype of a quantum field theory.- 6 The crisis of quantum field theory.- 7 From beta decay to electroweak gauge theory.- 8 Quantum chromodynamics: quantum field theory of the strong interaction.- 9 Standard Model of fundamental interactions.- 10 Beyond the Standard Model.- 11 Outlook.- Appendix A Mathematical structures, units and notation.- Appendix B Gauge and Lorentz invariance.- Appendix C Index of scientists.- Glossary.-  Index.