Quantum Non-linear Sigma-Models: From Quantum Field Theory to Supersymmetry, Conformal Field Theory, Black Holes and Strings

The book is considered a systematic presentation of the modern quantum field theory of non—linear sigma—models. The content is based on original papers. Geometric properties and renormalization of a generic non—linear sigma—model are considered in detail, and illustrated by explicit multi—loop calculations in perturbation theory. Some non—perturbative results are derived for the conformally invariant non—linear sigma—models. Supersymmetric extensions are given for most constructions, with e...