Feynman path integrals integrals, suggested heuristically by Feynman in the 40s, have become the basis of much of contemporary physics, from non relativistic quantum mechanics to quantum fields, including gauge fields, gravitation, cosmology. Recently ideas based on Feynman path integrals have also played an important role in areas of mathematics like low dimensional topology and differential geometry, algebraic geometry, infinite dimensional analysis and geometry, and number theory. The 2nd edition of LNM 523 is based on the two first authors' mathematical approach of this theory presented in its 1st edition in 1976. To take care of the many developments which have occurred since then, an entire new chapter about the current forefront of research has been added. Except for this new chapter, the basic material and presentation of the first edition was mantained, a few misprints have been corrected. At the end of each chapter the reader will also find notes with further bibliographical information.

Although more than 60 years have passed since their first appearance, Feynman path integrals have yet to lose their fascination and luster. They are not only a formidable instrument of theoretical physics, but also a mathematical challenge; in fact, several mathematicians in the last 40 years have devoted their efforts to the rigorous mathematical definition of Feynman's ideas.This volume provides a detailed, self-contained description of the mathematical difficulties as well as the possible techniques used to solve these difficulties. In particular, it gives a complete overview of the mathematical realization of Feynman path integrals in terms of well-defined functional integrals, that is, the infinite dimensional oscillatory integrals. It contains the traditional results on the topic as well as the more recent developments obtained by the author.Mathematical Feynman Path Integrals and Their Applications is devoted to both mathematicians and physicists, graduate students and researchers who are interested in the problem of mathematical foundations of Feynman path integrals.

This book provides an ideal introduction to the use of Feynman path integrals in the fields of quantum mechanics and statistical physics. It is written for graduate students and researchers in physics, mathematical physics, applied mathematics as well as chemistry. The material is presented in an accessible manner for readers with little knowledge of quantum mechanics and no prior exposure to path integrals. It begins with elementary concepts and a review of quantum mechanics that gradually builds the framework for the Feynman path integrals and how they are applied to problems in quantum mechanics and statistical physics. Problem sets throughout the book allow readers to test their understanding and reinforce the explanations of the theory in real situations. Features: Comprehensive and rigorous yet, presents an easy-to-understand approach. Applicable to a wide range of disciplines. Accessible to those with little, or basic, mathematical understanding.

Graduate-level, systematic presentation of path integral approach to calculating transition elements, partition functions, and source functionals. Covers Grassmann variables, field and gauge field theory, perturbation theory, and nonperturbative results. 1992 edition.

Topological restrictions. These are relevant to the understanding of the statistical properties of elementary particles and the entanglement phenomena in polymer physics and biophysics. The Chern-Simons theory of particles with fractional statistics (anyons) is introduced and applied to explain the fractional quantum Hall effect." "The relevance of path integrals to financial markets is discussed, and improvements of the famous Black-Scholes formula for option prices are developed which account for the fact that large market fluctuations occur much more frequently than in Gaussian distributions." --Book Jacket.