Good Books on Superstring Theories

In summary, there are several recommended books for understanding Type I and Type IIB superstring theories and D3-branes, depending on the level and preferences of the reader. These include Zwiebach's text for advanced undergrads, Becker, Becker, and Schwarz's book for general background, Polchinski's books for a more advanced understanding, and Green, Schwarz, and Witten's books for a thorough but difficult read. Additionally, Theissen and Lüst's book is recommended for its insights on internal consistency.
  • #1
StuartY
5
0
I was wondering if anyone could suggest anything which describes Type I and Type IIB superstring theories, and D3-branes.
 
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  • #2
This depends on the level you're at. We'll need some extra info but in the mean time I'll give a list of books that are quite standard.

The standard text that is viable for advanced undergrads is Zwiebach but I'm not sure how far the current edition goes.

I used the book by Becker, Becker and Schwarz to get some general background for my thesis, I liked it more than Zwiebach's mainly because its more fast-paced. From the get-go you use group theoretic ideas and symmetry in a very fundamental way.

The next level would probably be Polchinski's books. They are hard, whenever I have to find something out (how does object X enter the theory) Polchinski's books are one of my last resorts because it takes a while to fully grasp what he writes (in my opinion).

Then there are the books by Green, Schwarz and Witten which have the same status as Polchinski's books, very thorough but hard.
A book that helped me grasp some ideas (nothing to exact) related to internal consistency of string theories is the book by Theissen and Lüst. I've become partial to that one
 

Related to Good Books on Superstring Theories

1. What are Superstring Theories?

Superstring theories are a class of theoretical physics models that aim to unify all of the fundamental forces and particles in the universe. They propose that the fundamental building blocks of the universe are not particles, but tiny vibrating strings.

2. What makes a book a "good" book on Superstring Theories?

A good book on Superstring Theories should provide a comprehensive and clear explanation of the theories, their history, and their potential implications. It should also include diagrams, illustrations, and examples to help readers understand the complex concepts.

3. Who are some notable authors of books on Superstring Theories?

Some notable authors of books on Superstring Theories include Brian Greene, Michio Kaku, and Lisa Randall. These physicists are experts in the field and have written popular books that make the subject accessible to non-scientists.

4. Are there any books on Superstring Theories that are suitable for beginners?

Yes, there are several books on Superstring Theories that are suitable for beginners. Some examples include "The Elegant Universe" by Brian Greene and "The Little Book of String Theory" by Steven S. Gubser. These books provide a gentle introduction to the topic and do not require a strong background in physics.

5. Can books on Superstring Theories help me understand the latest developments in the field?

Yes, books on Superstring Theories can help you understand the latest developments in the field. However, it's important to keep in mind that the field is constantly evolving and new discoveries are being made all the time. It's always a good idea to supplement your reading with current scientific articles and research papers to stay up-to-date on the latest developments.

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