Physics 445    Quantum Field Theory III

Instructor:  Savdeep Sethi

Suggested Textbooks:

Quantum Field Theory and the Standard Model  by Matthew Schwartz

An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory  by Peskin & Schroeder


Location & Time: Virtual,  T-Th 9:40 - 11:00

Grader: Umang Mehta

Course Outline:

This is the final quarter of the one year introduction to quantum  field theory. As such, it has
more of a special topics flavor. The course  grade will be based on homework assignments
and perhaps a final exam or paper.

There are many possible topics that we might reasonably study this quarter. This course will
revolve around symmetry, symmetry breaking and gauge theory.  These are central ingredients in
theoretical models used in many areas of physics, ranging from condensed matter to particle physics.
A list of some topics that might be covered includes:


References:

Beyond the suggested course texts, there are a number of other lectures, many of which can be
found online, and texts that might be helpful. Some suggestions include:

Mark Srednicki, “Quantum Field Theory,”
Steve Weinberg, “The Quantum Theory of Fields”, three volumes,
Pierre Ramond, “Journeys Beyond the Standard Model,”
Cheng and Li, “Gauge Theory of Elementary Particle Physics,”
John Donoghue et. al., “Dynamics of the Standard Model,”
Fuchs and Schweigert, “Symmetries, Lie Algebras and Representations,”
Howard Georgi, “Lie Algebras in Particle Physics,” the most recent edition,
Michael Tinkham, “Group Theory and Quantum Mechanics.”


Another great source for reviews and general information pertaining to the Standard Model is
the online Particle Data Group that can be found here.

We will encounter new "particle physics" units in this course. In particular a femtobarn (yes
that's "barn") is often used in discussing cross-sections and luminosities at particle accelerators.
A nice explanation of a femtobarn can be found here.

The physics of neutrinos is beautifully described in some lectures by Boris Kayser available
here. There are also nice detailed lectures on neutrinos available here. 



Problem Sets:

Assignment 1

Solution 1

Assignment 2

Solution 2

Assignment 3

Solution 3

Assignment 4

Solutions 4

Assignment 5

Solutions 5

Assignment 6