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Quantum Field Theory pp 43–64Cite as

Current Trends in Axiomatic Quantum Field Theory

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Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Physics ((LNP,volume 558))

Abstract

In this article a non-technical survey is given of the present status of Axiomatic Quantum Field Theory and interesting future directions of this approach are outlined. The topics covered are the universal structure of the local algebras of observables, their relation to the underlying fields and the significance of their relative positions. Moreover, the physical interpretation of the theory is discussed with emphasis on problems appearing in gauge theories, such as the revision of the particle concept, the determination of symmetries and statistics from the superselection structure, the analysis of the short distance properties and the specific features of relativistic thermal states. Some problems appearing in quantum field theory on curved spacetimes are also briefly mentioned.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut für Theoretische Physik, Universität Göttingen, Bunsenstraße 9, D-37073, Göttingen, Germany

    Detlev Buchholz

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  1. Detlev Buchholz
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Max-Planck-Institut für Physik, Werner-Heisenberg-Institut, Föhringer Ring 6, 80805, München, Germany

    Peter Breitenlohner  & Dieter Maison  & 

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Buchholz, D. (2000). Current Trends in Axiomatic Quantum Field Theory. In: Breitenlohner, P., Maison, D. (eds) Quantum Field Theory. Lecture Notes in Physics, vol 558. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-44482-3_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-44482-3_4

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  • Print ISBN: 978-3-540-67972-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-540-44482-4

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