Lectures High Energy Physics

The field of 'High Energy Physics' studies the 'interaction between particles'.  Large fraction of the research concentrates on elementary particles and their electromagnetic, weak and possibly strong interaction.

For carrying out experiments, several (international) accelerator facilities are used as there are CERN (Geneva, Switzerland), DESY (Hamburg, Germany) and Fermilab  (Chicago, USA).  The development of particle detectors, high speed data acquisition systems and computer simulations play an important role during the preparation of these experiments.

Beside the research on the interactions amongst elementary particles at sub atomic level, the role that these processes may play at the creation of the universe is  investigated.  In order to formulate a rigorous cosmological model, gravitation has to be included.  Today's knowledge, including astrophysical studies, has lead to what is called the Big Bang Theory.  This theory describes the evolution of the (early) universe and couples macroscopic effects to processes at the sub atomic level.

Introduction to subatomic physics.  In the lecture series, after a brief introduction to the Big Bang Theory, the standard model for elementary particles and their interactions:  Quantum Electro Dynamics (QED), Quantum Chromo Dynamics (QCD) and weak interactions is given.  Space, time, space-time (relativistic kinematics) and symmetry form the framework for the construction of phenomenological models.  The Feynman formalism is introduced.  Apart from the classification of elementary particles (leptons and hadrons) and the experimental implications of the quark-parton model, particle accelerators and techniques for particle detection are presented.

Acquisition of the book:

is highly recommended.  Not all topics discussed during the lectures can be found in here.  However, copies of transparencies will be provided.

The lecture series starts at the beginning of December (for the exact date please consult the information provided by 'UT-nieuws' under the header 'TN') and will take 24 hours in total.  During the lecture series, several questionnaires will be handed out.  After finishing the lectures, students are invited for an oral exam.  Results of the questionnaires will contribute to the final rating.

	Overview lectures and questionnaire 1997/1998 (only available in Dutch)
	Overview lectures and questionnaire 1998/1999 (only available in Dutch)

Latest change: 13 January 1999

nederlandse versie

email: vaneijk@nikhef.nl