Quantum Field Theory on Curved Spacetimes

Abstract

This chapter describes the quantization of field theories on curved spacetimes, highlighting the differences between quantum field theory on Minkowski space. Beginning with the action describing a real scalar field, the equations of motion for the field are derived and an appropriate inner product on the space of solutions is introduced. The canonical quantization of this field theory is carried out, emphasizing the non-uniqueness of the vacuum state. The particle interpretation of such a field theory is described in detail with an emphasis on the importance of an operational definition of particles.