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

See Examples For:

quantum field theory

During the years when the constant had fallen out of favor, quantum field theory had become one of the most successful theories in science and a cornerstone of the Standard Model of particle physics.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 19, 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 late 1960s and early 1970s it was realized that these phase transitions can be described by the same kind of quantum field theory that had already been developed to understand elementary particle physics.

From Scientific American ● Sep. 25, 2023

Turner: As far as we know, the basic building blocks of matter are quarks and leptons; the rules that govern them are described by the quantum field theory called the Standard Model.

From New York Times ● Jan. 24, 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