An Introduction to Regge Theory and High Energy Physics.

COLLINS, P.D.B. [Stephen Hawking].

$3,000.00

Item Number: 119369

Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1977.

First edition of this work on Regge Theory. Octavo, original cloth. From the library of Stephen Hawking, with his signature to the front free end page, from his secretary. Stephen Hawking was a theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author who was director of research at the Centre for Theoretical Cosmology at the University of Cambridge at the time of his death. Hawking’s scientific works included a collaboration with Roger Penrose on gravitational singularity theorems in the framework of general relativity and the theoretical prediction that black holes emit radiation, often called Hawking radiation. He was the first to set out a theory of cosmology explained by a union of the general theory of relativity and quantum mechanics. Hawking may be one of the most recognizable of theoretical physicists in part due to ALS, which gradually paralyzed him over the decades. After the loss of his speech, he was able to communicate through a speech-generating device—initially through use of a handheld switch, and eventually by using a single cheek muscle. He is also well known since he achieved commercial success with several works of popular science in which he discussed his theories and cosmology in general. His book, A Brief History of Time, appeared on the Sunday Times bestseller list for a record-breaking 237 weeks. Near fine in a very good dust jacket. A nice association from this giant in the world of theoretical physics.

This book presents an extended introduction to the theory of hadrons, the elementary particles which occur in the atomic nucleus. The main emphasis is on the theory of the complex angular momentum plane 'Regge theory', which has grown from Regge's demonstration in 1959 that it is useful to regard angular momentum as a complex variable when discussing solutions of the Schrodinger equation for non-relativistic potential scattering. This theory helps to classify the many different particles which have been discovered in recent years, to explain the forces between these particles and to predict the results of high-energy scattering experiments. Regge theory thus serves as a unifying concept drawing together many different features of high-energy physics. This monograph is intended primarily for research students just beginning to concern themselves with particle physics, but more experienced workers will also find much to interest them in this detailed survey of the basic ideas and results of Regge theory.