Classification of free particle states. Global internal symmetries. Quark model for hadrons. Gauge theories. Interacting particles: perturbative expansion of elements of the scattering matrix. Feynman diagrams. Applications to the calculation of cross sections and lifetimes in quantum electrodynamics and weak interactions. Spontaneous symmetry breaking and the Higgs mechanism. Construction of the Standard electroweak model.
F.Mandl, G.Shaw: Quantum Field Theory;
M.E.Peskin, D.V.Schroeder: An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory;
T.P.Cheng,L.F.Li: “Gauge theory of elementary particle physics”
Learning Objectives
Starting from a basic knowledge of classical mechanics and electrodynamics, non relativistic quantum mechanics, elements of special relativity, group theory, relativistic wave equations and quantization of free scalar and spinor fields, the student acquires a basic knowledge concerning calculation of cross-sections and mean lifes for interacting elementary particles, by means of the Feynman’s diagrammatic technique and Feynman’s rules at the tree level. Another goal is to give theoretical comprehension about Spontaneous symmetry breaking, its connection with phase transitions, the Higgs mechanism, about gauge theories and low energy effective models
Prerequisites
Courses required:
Mandatory ones.
Courses recommended:
Group theory.
Teaching Methods
Number of Credits: 6 CFU
Contact hours for: Lectures (hours): 48
Further information
Office hours:
on demand
Type of Assessment
Oral examination
Course program
Application of group theory to elementary particle physics (classification of free particle states, internal symmetries, quark model of hadrons). Effective theories and gauge theories (abelian and non-abelian). Propagators. The scattering matrix. Wick's theorem. Perturbative expansion in interaction picture. Feynman rules in effective and in gauge theories. Spontaneous symmetry breaking for global and local symmetries. Higgs mechanism. Elements on old weak interaction models. Introduction to the Standard Model for Electroweak Interactions, Applications to elementary processes at the tree level (cross-sections and life-times) in scalar and spinor electrodynamics, in the electroweak and in effective models.