Path-integral in field theory, functional methods and perturbative series. Gauge theories. Renormalization and renormalization group flow. Callan Symanzik equation and running coupling constant. Introduction to QCD and the parton model. Spontaneous symmetry breaking. Weak interactions. The Standard Model of the electroweak interactions: SU(2)xU(1), Higgs mechanism, renormalizable and unitary gauges, CKM matrix, CP violation, GIM mechanism. Phenomenology of the Standard Model.
-M.E. Peskin and D.V. Schoeder, "An introduction to Quantum Field Theory"; Addison-Wesley Pub. Co.
-P.Ramond, “Field Theory a modern primer”, Benjamin/Cummings Pub. Co.
-Ta-Pei Cheng and Ling-Fong Li, “Gauge theory of elementary particle physics”, Oxford Univ. Press.
-L.H.Ryder, “Quantum Field Theory”, Cambridge Univ. Press
-D.H. Perkins, “Introduction to High Energy Physics”, Cambridge Univ. Press
Learning Objectives
Knowledge acquired: Basic knowledge of group theory, phenomenology of elementary and modern quantum field theory. Quantization of free fields.
Competence acquired: Feynman diagrams, evaluations of tree level cross sections in QED
Skills acquired (at the end of the course): Renormalization of quantum field theories and physical effects. Physics of the Standard Model of electroweak interactions
Prerequisites
Courses required:
-Quantum Mechanics (R.Casalbuoni)
-Theoretical Physics – complements (M. Ciafaloni)
-Quantum Electrodynamics (G. Pettini)
Courses recommended:
-Mathematical methods – complements (R. Giachetti)
Nuclear and Subnuclear physics 1, 2 (B. Mosconi/E. Iacopini)
-Theory of elementary particles (F. Becattini)
-Relativity (D. Seminara)
Teaching Methods
Total hours of the course (including the time spent in attending lectures, seminars, private study, examinations, etc...):
150
Hours reserved to private study and other indivual formative activities:
100
Contact hours for: Lectures (hours): 50
Further information
Office hours:
On appointment
Type of Assessment
Written exercise and traditional oral examination
Course program
-Path-integral in quantum field theory, functional methods, perturbative series
-Euclidean field theory and statistical mechanics. Effective action
-Gauge invariance. Path integral in QED. Ward identities
-1-loop renormalization of QED. Physical effects of renormalization
-Introduction to the renormalization group. Callan-Symanzik equation and running coupling constant
-Introduction to QCD: asymptotic freedom and parton model
-Weak interactions
-Non abelian gauge theories: path-integral quantization and 1-loop renormalization.
-Spontaneously broken gauge theories. Goldstone theorem and Higgs mechanism
-The Standard Model for the electroweak interactions: basics and study of some processes
-Renormalizable and unitary gauges, CKM matrix, CP violation, GIM mechanism