In this book, Robert Wald provides a coherent, pedagogical introduction
to the formulation of quantum field theory in curved spacetime. He
begins with a treatment of the ordinary one-dimensional quantum harmonic
oscillator, progresses through the construction of quantum field theory
in flat spacetime to possible constructions of quantum field theory in
curved spacetime, and, ultimately, to an algebraic formulation of the
theory. In his presentation, Wald disentangles essential features of the
theory from inessential ones (such as a particle interpretation) and
clarifies relationships between various approaches to the formulation of
the theory. He also provides a comprehensive, up-to-date account of the
Unruh effect, the Hawking effect, and some of its ramifications. In
particular, the subject of black hole thermodynamics, which remains an
active area of research, is treated in depth.
This book will be accessible to students and researchers who have had
introductory courses in general relativity and quantum field theory, and
will be of interest to scientists in general relativity and related
fields.