Covariant Techniques in Quantum Field Theory

The purpose of this book is to illustrate some of the most important techniques which are helpful in combinatorial problems when computing quantum effects in covariant theories, like general relativity. In fact, most of the techniques find application also in broader contexts, such as low energy effective (chiral) Lagrangians or even in specific problems in condensed matter. Some of the topics covered are: the background field approach and the heat kernel ideas. The arguments are explained ...