[Quantum Field Theory]
Fall
Semester 2008
Goals: Learn to
¥Combine
quantum mechanics with special relativity,
¥Describe
creation and destruction of matter and other physical states,
¥Calculate
decay rates and scattering probabilities when states are created or destroyed
and relativity is important.
General Information
Professor Carl E. Carlson
Office: Small 219 (enter through 221)
E-mail: carlson@physics.wm.edu
Telephone: 221--3509
Office hours: Tuesday 11:00--12:00
Text: M. Peskin and D.
Schroeder, Quantum Field Theory
(misprints are listed at http://physics.weber.edu/schroeder/qftbook.html
)
Recommended extra text: F. Gross, Relativistic Quantum
Mechanics and Field Theory
Other books (listed by
author):
¥ S.
Weinberg (3 vol.), The Quantum Theory Of Fields, Foundations/Modern
Applications/Supersymmetry.
¥ J.
Bjorken and S. Drell (2 volumes), Relativistic quantum mechanics/Relativistic
quantum fields
¥
Pierre Ramond, Field Theory: A Modern Primer
¥ J.
J. Sakurai, Advanced Quantum Mechanics
¥ C.
Itzykson and J. Zuber, Quantum Field Theory
Homework: Given out roughly
every other Tuesday (possibly more often), due 1 week later.
Midterm Exam: 23 October
2008---if in class. May be
take-home.
Final Exam: Tuesday, December 16, 8:30 AM
Grading: 30% midterm, 50%
final, 20% homework
Lecture list for Physics 721: Advanced Quantum Mechanics
(Field Theory)
Fall 2008
|
Lecture |
Date |
Topic |
|
1 |
28 August |
Relativistic notation and Lorentz group |
|
2 |
2 September |
a) Comments on classical E&M b) Dirac equation |
|
3 |
4 |
Lorentz covariance |
|
4 |
9 |
Free particle solutions |
|
5 |
11 |
Dirac solution for H-atom |
|
6 |
16 |
QM of Dirac field a) Quantum mechanics of continuous media b) Modifications for Dirac field |
|
7 |
18 |
Finish previous lecture HW1_solution |
|
8 |
23 |
a) Bilinear covariants b) Discrete symmetries: C, P, and T |
|
9 |
25 |
Continue |
|
10 |
30 |
Photon field: Gupta-Bleuler or Fermi formalism |
|
11 |
2 October |
Continue |
|
12 |
7 |
Radiative transitions: electric dipole (apply to H-atom) |
|
13 |
9 |
Radiative transitions: magnetic dipole (apply to H-atom) |
|
14 |
16 |
General reactions: perturbation theory HW2_solution |
|
15 |
21 |
WickÕs theorem and Feynman diagrams |
|
|
23 |
Midterm Exam |
|
16 |
28 |
Cross sections |
|
17 |
30 |
Calculations (Feynman rules, trace theorems, e+e–
¨ m+m-) |
|
18 |
4 November |
Continue (include e+e– ¨ m+m- with
polarization) |
|
19 |
6 |
Compton scattering |
|
20 |
11 |
Higher order calculations Electron self-energy Dimensional regularization HW3
solution |
|
21 |
13 |
Finish electron self-energy |
|
22 |
18 |
Photon self-energy |
|
23 |
20 |
Vertex function |
|
24 |
25 |
Electron anomalous moment |
|
25 |
2 December |
Renormalization |
|
26 |
4 |
Infrared divergences |
|
|
16 (Tues.) |
Final Exam (8:30 AM) |