quantum field theory

American  

[kwon-tuhm feeld thee-uh-ree, theer-ee] / ˈkwɒn təm ˈfild ˌθi ə ri, ˌθɪər i /

noun

Physics.

1. any field theory that applies the principles and methodology of quantum mechanics. QFT

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quantum field theory British  

noun

1. physics quantum mechanical theory concerned with elementary particles, which are represented by fields whose normal modes of oscillation are quantized

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quantum field theory Scientific  

1. The application of quantum mechanics to physical systems described by fields, such as electromagnetic fields. Quantum field theory was developed to overcome certain deficiencies in Schrödinger's equation, in particular the fact that it was not consistent with special relativity and was difficult to apply to systems involving many particles or to the creation and destruction of particles.

2. See also quantum chromodynamics quantum electrodynamics

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Etymology

Origin of quantum field theory

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

In quantum field theory, the particles that make up our world such as electrons, top quarks, neutrinos, and even dark matter are not independent objects in the usual sense.

From Science Daily • Mar. 10, 2026

In 1999, Neves Valente took an optional class in quantum field theory and earned a near-perfect grade of 19 out of 20, professor Jorge Romão said after reviewing old paperwork.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 20, 2025

In the Caltech interview, he recalled a paper in which he suggested that gravity could solve some troubling infinities that were showing up in the quantum field theory of electrodynamics.

From New York Times • May 8, 2023

Feynman integrals have plagued particle theorists since the rise of quantum field theory in the mid–20th century.

From Science Magazine • Nov. 30, 2022

“But in quantum field theory, for every particle, there’s a way of thinking about it as a field.”

From Scientific American • Nov. 22, 2022