The purpose of this book is to thoroughly prepare the reader for research in string theory at an intermediate level. As such it is not a compendium of results but intended as textbook in the sense that most of the material is organized in a pedagogical and self-contained fashion.

Beyond the basics, a number of more advanced topics are introduced, such as conformal field theory, superstrings and string dualities - the text does not cover applications to black hole physics and cosmology, nor strings theory at finite temperatures.

End-of-chapter references have been added to guide the reader wishing to pursue further studies or to start research in well-defined topics covered by this book.

Table of Contents

1 Introduction

2 The Classical Bosonic String

3 The Quantized Bosonic String

4 Introduction to Conformal Field Theory

5 Parametrization Ghosts and BRST Quantization

6 String Perturbation Theory and One-Loop Amplitudes

7 The Classical Fermionic String

8 The Quantized Fermionic String

9 Superstrings

10 Toroidal Compactifications: 10-Dimensional Heterotic String

11 Conformal Field Theory II: Lattices and Kac-Moody Algebras

12 Conformal Field Theory Ill: Superconformal Field Theory

13 Covariant Vertex Operators, BRST and Covariant Lattices

14 String Compactifications

15 CFTs for Type II and Heterotic String Vacua

16 String Scattering Amplitudes and Low Energy Effective Field Theory

17 Compactifications of the Type 11 Superstring with D-branes and Fluxes

18 String Dualities and M-Theory

Review

“This is an excellent book on strings with a discussion of confocal and nonconformal strings. … This book is primarily for advanced students with applications to advanced and intermediate studies.” (Joseph J. Grenier, Amazon.com, September, 2015)

“The book emphasizes techniques of two-dimensional conformal field theory as the basis for perturbative string theory. … the book is a welcome (re-)addition to the growing collection of textbooks on string theory, and one that likely will be consulted whenever future generations return to the foundations of the subject. It is totally suited for a course in string theory straddling the undergraduate and graduate level. The occasional mathematician with a physics inclination will also find the book accessible.” (Johannes Walcher, Mathematical Reviews, January, 2014)

“This book is amazing! The author presents the string theory in a very pedagogical way. … The book contains a lot of examples and problems and it is a easy reading. … I recommend this book for instructors and students interested in understand the basic principles of string theory. This book will be very useful as a additional reading for more advanced courses in string theory too! Have fun!” (Philosophy, Religion and Science Book Reviews, bookinspections.wordpress.com, December, 2013)

“This new textbook features anintroduction to string theory, a fundamental line of research in theoretical physics during recent decades. … It encompasses a range of essential and advanced topics, aiming at mid – to high-level students and researchers who really want to get into the subject and/or would like to look up some facts. … perfect guide for someone with some moderate prior exposure to field and string theory, who likes to get into the principles and technical details of string model construction.” (Wolfgang Lerche, CERN Courier, May, 2013)

About the Authors

Stefan Theisen is also LNP series editor for many years

Ralph Blumenhagen has already published an LNP