Recent Advances in Field Theory and Statistical Mechanics

Over the last ten years, quantum field theory and statistical mechanics have undergone quick and parellel developments characterized by the emergence of new ideas and the use of common concepts and methods. In particular, the renormalization group ideas have been successfully applied to the study of critical behaviour in quantum field theories. Simultaneously, the flourishing of gauge theories has produced a complete renewal in the theory of elementary particles. In view of this burst of ideas and new results, this Les Houches summer school was organised and open to physicists working in the domains of field theory, particle physics, condensed matter and neighbouring fields. The resulting proceedings provide an up-to-date review of the important developments in these fields.
 
Over the last ten years, quantum field theory and statistical mechanics have undergone quick and parellel developments characterized by the emergence of new ideas and the use of common concepts and methods. In particular, the renormalization group ideas have been successfully applied to the study of critical behaviour in quantum field theories. Simultaneously, the flourishing of gauge theories has produced a complete renewal in the theory of elementary particles. In view of this burst of ideas and new results, this Les Houches summer school was organised and open to physicists working in the domains of field theory, particle physics, condensed matter and neighbouring fields. The resulting proceedings provide an up-to-date review of the important developments in these fields.