The thermodynamics of quantum Yang-Mills theory. Theory and applications. (Q2811871)

This is the second edition of a book that appeared back in 2012. For a review of the first edition see [Zbl 1242.81003]. This new edition in particular provides a deeper insight into the role of Harrington-Shepard calorons/anticalorons. As has become known in recent years, these are the basic constituents of the thermal ground state. The book now also collects some discussions of the caloron center versus its periphery. The quantum field of the deconfining phase is induced by a classical Euclidean field. The role of the thermal ground state in \(U(1)\) propagation and the photonic particle-wave duality are discussed. Finally, the last chapter now investigates the redshift-temperature theory of the cosmic microwave background which is based on the \(\mathrm{SU}(2)\) Yang-Mills theory. The temperature-redshift relation of the cosmic wave background is derived and a re-ionization of the early universe is explained. Addressed at the end is a possible mechanism of mass generation for cosmic neutrinos. This monograph is written with high rigor and will win the attention of graduate students.