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.