Quantum field theory II

PHYS-432 / 6 credits

Teacher: Bellazzini Brando

Language: English

Summary

The goal of the course is to introduce relativistic quantum field theory as the conceptual and mathematical framework describing fundamental interactions such as Quantum Electrodynamics.

Content

  • Quantisation of fields and massive particles with spin and the relevance of symmetries in fundamental physics (Poincaré group, little groups, irreducible representations ...);
  • Quantisation of massless particles with spin-1 (photons);
  • Introduction to Quantum electrodynamics (QED);
  • Discrete spacetime symmetries (P, C, T and CPT);
  • Causality and statistics;
  • Classical predictions of QED;
  • Higher order calculations and quantum corrections.

Time permitting: more advanced topics such as the Higgs mechanism, electroweak interactions and non-abelian gauge theories, path integral...

Learning Prerequisites

Required courses

Classical Electrodynamics, Quantum Field Theory I, Quantum Mechanics I and II, Analytical Mechanics, Mathematical Physics

Recommended courses

Quantum Mechanics III and IV, General Relativity, Cosmology

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student must be able to:

  • Expound the theory and its phenomenological consequences
  • Formalize and solve the problems

Transversal skills

  • Use a work methodology appropriate to the task.

Teaching methods

Ex cathedra and exercises in class

Assessment methods

Exam: oral, consisting of one theoretical question and one exercise, picked randomly and for which the candidate is allowed a 45 minute preparation

Resources

Bibliography

Ressources en bibliothèque

Websites

Moodle Link

Prerequisite for

Prerequisite for Theoretical Physics

In the programs

  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: Oral (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Quantum field theory II
  • Lecture: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: Oral (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Quantum field theory II
  • Lecture: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: Oral (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Quantum field theory II
  • Lecture: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: Oral (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Quantum field theory II
  • Lecture: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional

Reference week

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