In this monograph we apply scattering theory methods to calculations in quantum ?eld theory, with a particular focus on properties of the quantum vacuum. These methods will provide e?cient and reliable solutions to a - riety of problems in quantum ?eld theory. Our approach will also elucidate in a concrete context many of the subtleties of quantum ?eld theory, such as divergences, regularization, and renormalization, by connecting them to more familiar results in quantum mechanics. We will use tools of scattering theory to characterize the spectrum of energyeigenstatesinapotentialbackground,hencethetermspectralmethods. This mode spectrum comprises both discrete bound states and a continuum of scattering states. We develop a powerful