This book contains articles by experts on the plasma phase of quantum chromodynamics, and the plasma phase of electroweak interactions. The former plasma phase is being tested at RHIC (Brookhaven), and has been tested at CERN. Both plasmas have played roles in the development of the Universe since the Big Bang. A third topic is that of the high density colour superconductive state of matter, which may be present in the core of neutron stars.

This completely revised and updated graduate-level textbook is an ideal introduction to gauge theories and their applications to high-energy particle physics, and takes an in-depth look at two new laws of nature--quantum chromodynamics and the electroweak theory. From quantum electrodynamics through unified theories of the interactions among leptons and quarks, Chris Quigg examines the logic and structure behind gauge theories and the experimental underpinnings of today's theories. Quigg emphasizes how we know what we know, and in the era of the Large Hadron Collider, his insightful survey of the standard model and the next great questions for particle physics makes for compelling reading. The brand-new edition shows how the electroweak theory developed in conversation with experiment. Featuring a wide-ranging treatment of electroweak symmetry breaking, the physics of the Higgs boson, and the importance of the 1-TeV scale, the book moves beyond established knowledge and investigates the path toward unified theories of strong, weak, and electromagnetic interactions. Explicit calculations and diverse exercises allow readers to derive the consequences of these theories. Extensive annotated bibliographies accompany each chapter, amplify points of conceptual or technical interest, introduce further applications, and lead readers to the research literature. Students and seasoned practitioners will profit from the text's current insights, and specialists wishing to understand gauge theories will find the book an ideal reference for self-study. Brand-new edition of a landmark text introducing gauge theories Consistent attention to how we know what we know Explicit calculations develop concepts and engage with experiment Interesting and diverse problems sharpen skills and ideas Extensive annotated bibliographies

This book, like its first edition, addresses the fundamental principles of interaction between radiation and matter and the principle of particle detectors in a wide scope of fields, from low to high energy, including space physics and the medical environment. It provides abundant information about the processes of electromagnetic and hadronic energy deposition in matter, detecting systems, and performance and optimization of detectors.In this second edition, new sections dedicated to the following topics are included: space and high-energy physics radiation environment, non-ionizing energy loss (NIEL), displacement damage in silicon devices and detectors, single event effects, detection of slow and fast neutrons with silicon detectors, solar cells, pixel detectors, and additional material for dark matter detectors.This book will benefit graduate students and final-year undergraduates as a reference and supplement for courses in particle, astroparticle, and space physics and instrumentation. A part of it is directed toward courses in medical physics. The book can also be used by researchers in experimental particle physics at low, medium, and high energy who are dealing with instrumentation.