Quantum field theory II

PHYS-432 / 6 credits

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

7. Gauge invariance, the electromagnetic field and its coupling to charged fields. Quantized electromagnetic field. Massive vector field. Polarization vectors. Representation of the Lorentz group on single particle states.

8. Causality in classical and quantum field theory

9. Discrete symmetries: parity (P), charge conjugation (C), time reversal (T) and their action of fields and states. CPT theorem.

10. Interacting fields. Formal theory of relativistic scattering. Asymptotic states. Lippmann-Schwinger equation. S-matrix and its symmetries. S-matrix in perturbation theory and Feynman diagrams. Cross sections and decay-rates.

11. Quantum electrodynamics: Feynman rules, elementary processes, Ward identities.

12. The Standard Model: non-abelian gauge theory, the field content and the lagrangian of the SM, the Higgs mechanism.

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

Oral exam, based on one theoretical question and one exercise picked through a random choice. The candidate is allowed 1 hour to prepare and 20 minutes to present and discuss the handwritten results.