Field Theory in Particle Physics
(Particles and Fields)
Lecturers: Bernard de Wit,
Eric Laenen
Last modified: Sat Mar 13 19:49:19 MET 2010
Classes 10 February - 28 April 2010, Wednesdays 10:00-12. 45, Aardwetenschappen (Geography),
room AW-GROOT (large lecture room) , Utrecht University
UvA problem class from now on: 10:00-11.45
Room 3.20 in building D (ie. not J/K), Roeterseiland. See below for problems
to be worked on.
The Utrecht website for the course is here.
This is an interuniversity course. In this course we investigate
the structure and manifestations of (non-abelian) gauge theories. The
Standard Model of elementary particles is an example, but we will
often take a broader view. We begin with a general discussion of
rigid and local symmetries, leading to the construction of gauge
theories. Subsequently we discuss the quantization of gauge fields:
gauge-fixing, ghost fields and Feynman rules. This enables a treatment
of renormalization, asymptotic freedom, and the decoupling of heavy
degrees of freedom. We then discuss some consequences for Quantum
Chromodynamics, at the one-loop level, followed by an in-depth
treatment of spontaneous symmetry breaking and the Brout-Englert-Higgs
mechanism. The Standard Model is introduced and some of its
phenomenology is discussed. When time permits, the course will be
concluded by a discussion of chiral anomalies and some outlook beyond
the Standard Model.
Prerequisites: a good introduction in quantum field theory, some
knowledge of group theory and of Lorentz invariance.
The lectures will take place at the Buys Ballot Laboratory at the Uithof campus of Utrecht University.
There will be three hours of lectures (with intermissions) every Wednesday, so that the total number
of lecturing days is equal to twelve. Tutorials will be organized locally. First lecture: Wednesday 10 February.
UvA students without an OV card will be offered some financial
compensation for their travel. Details about this will be given in the first
lectures. Tutorials will be organized locally. We can discuss
convenient times during the first lecture.
First lecture: Wednesday 10 February.
Last lecture: 28 April 2009
Extra EC's, bonus points, and solutions to assigned exercises.
Uva students can upgrade the number of EC from 6 to 7.5 by attending
the problems sessions and handing in at least 2 problem solutions
worked out in LaTeX. The solutions will at the end be available to all
students. This will also give one full point extra on
the final exam.
Problems sessions: to be agreed upon in the first lecture.
Final Exam: will take place in June.
Retake: TBA (there is only one retake!)
Lecture notes available during the course are based on
chapters of the book ``Field Theory in Particle Physics'' (de Wit &
Smith), and of its forthcoming new and extended edition by De Wit, Laenen &
Smith. We intend to start with chapter 11. Files will be regularly replaced
by revised versions .
Lecture notes
Lectures
10 February: chapter 11
17 February: 11.6, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3
24 February: 13.1, 13.2, 13.3
3 March: 13.3, 13.4, 13.5
10 March: 8.1, 8.2, 8.3
17 March: 9.1, 9.2, 16.1, 16.2
24 March:
31 March:
7 April:
14 April:
21 April:
28 April:
Assigned exercises
Roman numbers refer to sections in ``Field Theory in Particle Physics''
Numbes in square bracets refer to UU lecture notes.
Worthwhile to practice: 11.1, [13.5] [13.6]
16 February: 11.1, 11.3 (practice: 1.5, 1.7)
23 February: 12.2, 11.5, 11.6
2 March: 13.1, 13.2, 1.6
9 March: 13.3, 13.5, 13.8
16 March: 8.1, 8.2, 8.3
In the beginning of June we schedule a meeting where we will answer your
questions in preparation for the final exam. Please, contact us
during office hours in case of more urgent questions or in order
to familiarize us with some of the topics you want us to explain.