Gauge Field Theory and Complex Geometry

by Yuri Manin

"In the last two decades two new ideas were introduced into mathematical physics. The first of these is the notion of twistor geometry and the other that of supersymmetry. In this book by Y.I. Manin we find a beautiful blend of developments stemming from these two ideas written by a master expositor who uses the language of algebraic geometry to synthesize and unify the fundamental ideas involves." From a review of the Russian edition#1 The exposition is geometrized and unified. Applications to the solution of nonlinear differential equations of quantum field theory are given, in particular to the theory of instantons. The second part of the book contains a mathematical introduction to superalgebra and supergeometry which can be read independently and used by students in algebra and geometry. For the first time in the mathematical literature an introduction to the geometry of supergravity is given. Methods of complex geometry, in particular sheaf cohomology, are used throughout. Since the newest quantum field theory, dealing with (super)unification schemes and (super)strings uses more and more of complex geometry, this book may serve to introduce both physicists and mathematicians to this quickly expanding domain.

295 pages, Hardcover

First published May 20, 1997

Reviews

[Andrew]

Many times the explanations feel more algebraic than geometric, although perhaps that is my own lack of background.