FYSS4510 Quantum Field Theory (11 cr)

Open the course unit brochure on Sisu
Study level:
Advanced studies
Grading scale:
0-5
Language:
English
Responsible organisation:
Department of Physics
Curriculum periods:
2020-2021, 2021-2022, 2022-2023

Description

  • Basics of classical field theory – Noether’s theorem and conservation laws

  • Quantization of free real scalar field

  • Scalar propagators

  • Complex scalar field

  • Dirac equation, its plane-wave solutions and their Lorentz transformations

  • Quantization of the free Dirac field

  • Dirac propagators

  • Discrete symmetries in quantum field theory

  • Pictures in quantum mechanics

  • Perturbative expansion of correlation functions

  • Wick’s theorem

  • Feynman diagrams

  • Scatterin cross sections and the scattering matrix

  • Yukawa theory

  • Potential scattering

  • Maxwell’s equation in covariant form and the gauge freedom

  • Quantization of the free electromagnetic field in the Coulomb gauge

  • Quantum electrodynamics in the Coulomb gauge

  • Coulomb potential

  • Gupta-Bleurer quantization in the Lorenz gauge

  • Analytical structure of correlation functions

  • Lehmann-Symanzik-Zimmerman reduction

  • Optical theorem

  • Unstable particles - decay width

  • Basic processes in Quantum Electrodynamics

  • High- and low-energy limits

  • Crossing symmetry

  • Bound states

  • Braking radiation in Quantum Electrodynamics

  • Virtual correction to electron-photon vertex

  • Electron’s self-energy correction – mass renormalization

  • Photon’s self-energy correction - charge renormalization and running coupling

  • Pauli-Villars and dimensional regularization

  • Basics of the path-integral method 

Learning outcomes

After completing this course the student knows how to

  • Quantize free scalar theory, Dirac theory, and electromagnetism

  • Form a perturbative series for interacting theories and derive their Feynman rules.

  • Compute scattering cross sections

  • Renormalize QED and scalar theory to one loop 

Description of prerequisites

  • FYSS4300 Particle Physics
  • FYSS7531-FYSS7532 Quantum Mechanics 2, parts A&B
  • MATA200 Complex calculus/FYSS7301 Complex analysis 

or similar. 

Study materials

Lecture notes 

Literature

  • Peskin & Schroder, An introduction to Quantum Field theory, Westview Press, ISBN 0-201-50397-2.

Completion methods

Method 1

Description:
Given every other year, starting autumn 2021.
Evaluation criteria:
50% of point required for passing the course, for example exercises 40% and midterm exams 60%.
Time of teaching:
Period 1, Period 2
Select all marked parts

Method 2

Description:
This completion method is for students for whom completion method 1 is not possible for specific reasons (e.g. language, distance learning, statement for special study arrangements). Contact the teacher before enrolling to the course via this completion method.
Evaluation criteria:
50% of point required for passing the course, for example exercises 40% and midterm exams 60%.
Select all marked parts
Parts of the completion methods
x

Teaching (11 cr)

Type:
Participation in teaching
Grading scale:
0-5
Evaluation criteria:
50% of point required for passing the course, for example exercises 40% and midterm exams 60%.
Language:
English
Study methods:

Lectures, exercises and midterm exams.

No published teaching
x

Independent study (11 cr)

Type:
Independent study
Grading scale:
0-5
Evaluation criteria:
50% of point required for passing the course, for example exercises 40% and midterm exams 60%.
Language:
English
Study methods:

Self-study, exercises and exam. 

Teaching