A Primer on String Theory

A concise introduction to string theory explaining central concepts, mathematical tools and recent developments in the field of physics.

Preface; 1. Historical introduction and overview; Part I. Strings in Flat Backgrounds: 2. The classical closed bosonic string; 3. Free bosonic quantum field theory; 4. Covariant quantization; 5. Light-cone quantization; 6. Branes and quantization of open strings; 7. Open strings and gauge theory; 8. Free fermionic quantum field theory; 9. Supersymmetry in ten dimensions; 10. Construction of type IIA/B superstrings; 11. Branes in type II superstring theory; 12. Construction of heterotic superstrings; Part II. Strings in Curved Backgrounds: 13. Introduction to conformal field theory; 14. Modular invariants and orbifolds; 15. Closed strings on the 3-sphere; 16. Calabi-Yau spaces; 17. Calabi-Yau compactifications; 18. String dualities; 19. Gauge/string dualities; 20. AdS/CFT correspondence; Bibliography; Index.