Quantum Fields in Curved Spacetime
S. Winitzki
This course is an introduction to Quantum Field Theory in Curved Spacetime (QFTCS)---a beautiful and fascinating area of fundamental physics. The application of QFTCS is required in situations when both gravitation and quantum mechanics play a significant role, for instance, in early-universe cosmology and black hole physics. The goal of this course is to introduce the main concepts of QFTCS and to explain its most unexpected and spectacular manifestations---the Unruh effect (an accelerated observer in vacuum will detect particles), the Casimir effect (uncharged metal plates attract), and Hawking's theoretical discovery of black hole temperature (black holes emit black-body radiation).
This introductory course requires only a basic familiarity with quantum mechanics, electrodynamics, and general relativity. The emphasis will be on concepts and intuitive explanations rather than on computational techniques. The relevant calculations are deliberately simplified as much as possible, while retaining all the relevant physics. The necessary background in mathematics and physics is minimal and will be given in the lecture.
Syllabus:
1. Review of quantum mechanics and quantum field theory. Quantization of harmonic oscillators with time-dependent frequency. Particle creation by external forces.
2. Review of general relativity. Quantum fields in expanding universe. Concepts of vacuum and particles. Particle creation by gravity.
3. Quantum fields in de Sitter spacetime. Accelerated observers, Rindler spacetime. Unruh effect.
4. Black hole spacetimes, Hawking radiation. Black hole thermodynamics. Casimir effect.