Quantum field theory III

PHYS-503 / 8 credits

Teacher: Karateev Denis

Language: English

Remark: MA3 only. The lecture takes places in Geneva.

Summary

The course builds on the material covered in Quantum Field Theory I and Quantum Field Theory II. It focusses on scalar field theories only. The course develops a deeper understanding of quantum field theory, while introducing advanced concepts and methods and applies them to concrete problems.

Content

The following topics will be covered:

1. Mathematical background on distributions

 

2. Path integrals and functional methods

 

3. Renormalisation

 

4. Running couplings and the Callan-Symanzik equation

 

5. Time-ordered and Wightman correlation functions

 

6. Form factors, scattering amplitudes, and the LSZ reduction formula

 

Throughout the course, emphasis will be placed on the logical relations between these concepts and on the assumptions entering their definitions.

 

Students enrolled through EPFL will complete additional take-home readings and exercises.

Learning Prerequisites

Required courses

QFT1, QFT2, QM3, QM4

Recommended courses

General Relativity and Cosmology 1

Learning Outcomes

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

  • Formulate
  • Analyze
  • Reason
  • Model
  • Solve
  • Illustrate
  • Compute
  • Demonstrate

Transversal skills

  • Use a work methodology appropriate to the task.

Teaching methods

In-person lectures with live access via Zoom, complemented by exercise sessions and independent take-home reading.

Expected student activities

Attend lectures and exercise sessions, and complete the assigned take-home readings and exercises

Assessment methods

oral exam (100% of evaluation)

 

Resources

Bibliography

- The Quantum Theory of Fields I and II, Steve Weinberg

- An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory, Peskin-Schroeder

Ressources en bibliothèque

Notes/Handbook

Handwritten Notes

Moodle Link

In the programs

  • Semester: Fall
  • Exam form: Oral (winter session)
  • Subject examined: Quantum field theory III
  • Courses: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Fall
  • Exam form: Oral (winter session)
  • Subject examined: Quantum field theory III
  • Courses: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Exam form: Oral (winter session)
  • Subject examined: Quantum field theory III
  • Courses: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: mandatory

Reference week

Wednesday, 11h - 13h: Lecture

Friday, 10h - 11h: Lecture

Friday, 11h - 12h: Exercise, TP

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