"Understanding the physics of heavy quarks gives physicists the opportunity to test the predictions of Quantum Chromodynamics and the Standard Model." "The book begins with a review of the standard model, followed by the basics of heavy quark spin-flavor symmetry and how it can be applied to the classification of states, decays and fragmentation. Heavy quark effective theory is then developed, including the radiative and 1/m[subscript Q] corrections, and applied to the study of hadron masses, form factors, and inclusive decay rates. The authors also discuss the application of chiral perturbation theory to heavy hadrons.".

"Many of the key calculations are performed step by step, and problems and a concise review of the literature are provided at the end of each chapter. This volume provides graduate students with an ideal introduction to the physics of heavy quarks, and more experienced researchers with an authoritative reference to the subject."--BOOK JACKET.