String Theory Review for Beginner Graduate Students

In summary, B. Zwiebach recommends the following three sources as good starting points for someone wanting to learn about string theory: 1) A First Course in String Theory by E. Kiritsis; 2) Supersymmetry and Phenomenology by H.P. Nilles; and 3) Lectures on String Theory by John Polchinski. E. Kiritsis recommends the following two sources as good starting points for someone wanting to learn more about superstring theory: 1) The Green, Schwarz, and Witten Volume 1: A Comprehensive Guide to Supersymmetry by J. Polchinski and 2) Supersymmetry and the Origin of Mass by B. Zwiebach. Finally
  • #1
Casco
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Hi, I've been looking for a string theory review for a beginner graduate student. However, there is a vast number of reviews so it's easy to get lost. Does anyone know about a review article or any kind of material to begin with String Theory?

Thanks.
 
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  • #2
Yes...
B. Zwiebach:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17360.A_First_Course_in_String_Theory

E. Kiritsis:
http://press.princeton.edu/titles/8456.html

J.Polchinski (2 Vollumes):
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0521633036/?tag=pfamazon01-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0521633044/?tag=pfamazon01-20

There's also the Green & Schwarz & Wittens' 2 vollumes:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0521357527/?tag=pfamazon01-20

And finally a more advanced is the:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0521860695/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Also there are some reviews which I had as recommended for the grad lecture on strings for WS:
http://arxiv.org/pdf/hep-th/0110055v3.pdf

http://srv2.fis.puc.cl/~mbanados/Cursos/Cuerdas/LustTheisen .pdf

and:
H.P. Nilles, Supersymmetry and phenomenology (Phys. Reps. 110 C (1984) 1)
 
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  • #3
Zwiebach is great for a first exposure. For me the best way to learn it a bit more advanced was Green,Schwartz,Witten (Volume 1) combined with the notes of Tong. I've never understood why people like Polchinski or Becker2Schwarz as introductions, to be honest.

A beautiful first exposure to SUSY is the notes of Lambert. To understand SUGRA a bit more, the notes of Samtleben are very pedagogic. But GSW+Tong should do the trick also :P
 
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  • #5
haushofer said:
combined with the notes of Tong.
Of topic: Tong has also written excellent notes on many other topics in physics. For example, I have learned a lot about Kinetic Theory from one of his notes.
 
  • #7
Demystifier said:
Of topic: Tong has also written excellent notes on many other topics in physics. For example, I have learned a lot about Kinetic Theory from one of his notes.
Yes. I'm still waiting for his superstring notes, and I'd propably buy the book if it would come out.
 
  • #8

Related to String Theory Review for Beginner Graduate Students

1. What is String Theory?

String Theory is a theoretical framework in physics that attempts to explain the fundamental nature of particles and their interactions. It proposes that the universe is made up of tiny, vibrating strings instead of point particles.

2. Why is String Theory important?

String Theory is important because it provides a potential solution to the problem of reconciling general relativity (which describes the large-scale structure of the universe) with quantum mechanics (which describes the behavior of matter on a subatomic level).

3. What are the key concepts of String Theory?

The key concepts of String Theory include the idea that particles are actually tiny, vibrating strings; the existence of extra dimensions beyond the four we observe; and the unification of all the fundamental forces of nature into a single theory.

4. Is String Theory supported by evidence?

Currently, there is no direct evidence for String Theory. However, it is still an active area of research and has made some predictions that have been tested and confirmed, such as the existence of gravitons.

5. Can String Theory be proven?

String Theory cannot be proven in the traditional sense, as it is a theoretical framework. However, it can be supported by experimental evidence and mathematical consistency. It is also important to note that scientific theories are not proven, but are continually refined and modified as new evidence is discovered.

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