Anthony Zee is professor of theoretical physics and an author of several books for the general public and three textbooks, on quantum field theory, on Einstein gravity, and on group theory for physicists. Educated in Sao Paulo, Brasil by American nuns of the Felician order, he then went to Princeton University as an undergraduate and to Harvard University for his doctorate.
Research Interests
High Energy Physics, Field Theory, Cosmology, Biophysics, Condensed Matter Physics, Mathematical Physics
Field Theoretical Description of Quantum Systems. Field theory allows us to extract the long distance physics of strongly correlated quantum systems. In particle physics, the long distance field theory is known and people are trying to identify the short distance structure responsible. In condensed matter physics, on the other hand, the physics on the lattice scale is known but one might like to derive the effective long distance field theory and to determine the quantum numbers of the elementary excitations. In recent years, my work has focussed on the application of field theory to the gauge theory of high temperature superconductivity, to the quantum Hall fluids and the double-layered Hall system, and to the theory of random matrices and disordered systems. Many concepts from particle physics, such as gauge theory, topological action, confinement, magnetic monopoles, have all proved to be relevant. The hope is that concepts formulated in our studies of condensed matter systems will in turn enrich our understanding of particle physics.
Books
- Unity Of Forces In The Universe
- Fearful Symmetry
- An Old Man's Toy
- Einstein's Universe
- Swallowing Clouds
- Quantum Field Theory in a Nutshell (errata & addenda)
- Feynman's QED
- Einstein Gravity
- Group Theory in a Nutshell for Physicists (errata & addenda)
- On Gravity
- Fly by Night Physics (errata & addenda)
- QFT ASAP
Courses
Physics 221 A
Introduction to Quantum Field Theory
This course will provide an introduction to quantum field theory. A knowledge of non-relativistic quantum mechanics and of special relativity is required. For textbook I will be using
"Quantum Theory in a Nutshell" by A. Zee
Astronomy 1
Introduction to Astronomy
This course surveys modern astronomy starting with the solar system and ending with black holes and the universe.
Physics 131
Introduction to General Relativity
This course will provide an introduction to Einstein's theory of gravity. Familiarity with the special theory of relativity is required.
Physics 229 A
Supersymmetric Field Theory
This course will cover some aspects of supersymmetric field theories, starting with an elementary review of the representations of the Lorentz group. In the latter part of the course, I will give an introduction to Seiberg-Witten theory. If time permits, I may briefly explore other topics, such as the notion of supersymmetry in disordered systems. A working knowledge of relativistic quantum field theory is assumed.
Physics 221 C
Advanced Quantum Field Theory
Selected topics from the development of quantum field theory over the last three or four decades will be discussed. If time permits, I hope to use examples from condensed matter physics as well as the more traditional examples from high energy physics. A basic knowledge of relativistic quantum field theory is assumed.