Theory of Fundamental Interactions 1
A.Y. 2019/2020
Learning objectives
The course aims at providing an understanding of the basics of quantum field theory, and of the techniques applied for the calculation of physical processes at high energies.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course will be able to
1. describe the kinematics of a physical process of interaction between particles (phase space, reference system, Mandelstam invariants)
2. calculate at tree level the cross section and the decay rate starting from the Feynman rules of the theory
3. set up a calculation to one or more loops and to understand the meaning of the renormalization procedure
4. determine the behavior of the coupling constants given the beta function of a theory, in particular in the case of QCD
5. consider the effect of radiative QCD corrections on simple physical processes
6. derive the Fermi theory of weak decays from the Weinberg-Salam theory and to relate the predictions in the respective theories
7. express the electromagnetic and weak coupling constants in terms of the Weinberg angle
1. describe the kinematics of a physical process of interaction between particles (phase space, reference system, Mandelstam invariants)
2. calculate at tree level the cross section and the decay rate starting from the Feynman rules of the theory
3. set up a calculation to one or more loops and to understand the meaning of the renormalization procedure
4. determine the behavior of the coupling constants given the beta function of a theory, in particular in the case of QCD
5. consider the effect of radiative QCD corrections on simple physical processes
6. derive the Fermi theory of weak decays from the Weinberg-Salam theory and to relate the predictions in the respective theories
7. express the electromagnetic and weak coupling constants in terms of the Weinberg angle
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
- The Lagrangian of electrodynamics
- Feynman rules for quantum electrodynamics
- Calculation of the process of muon pair creation in electron-positron annihilation (e + e- -> mu + mu-) at the leading perturbative order: from Feynman diagrams to amplitudes
- Calculation of cross sections and decay widths: flux factor and phase space
- The Compton scattering: calculation at the leading perturbative order
- The "g-2" of the electron: finite one-loop corrections
- Ultraviolet divergences and renormalization
- Beta function and asymptotic freedom
- Introduction of the "color" and QCD
- QCD corrections to electromagnetic processes: hadron production in electron-positron annihilations (e + e- -> hadrons)
- Fermi's theory of beta decays and introduction to electroweak unification
- Feynman rules for quantum electrodynamics
- Calculation of the process of muon pair creation in electron-positron annihilation (e + e- -> mu + mu-) at the leading perturbative order: from Feynman diagrams to amplitudes
- Calculation of cross sections and decay widths: flux factor and phase space
- The Compton scattering: calculation at the leading perturbative order
- The "g-2" of the electron: finite one-loop corrections
- Ultraviolet divergences and renormalization
- Beta function and asymptotic freedom
- Introduction of the "color" and QCD
- QCD corrections to electromagnetic processes: hadron production in electron-positron annihilations (e + e- -> hadrons)
- Fermi's theory of beta decays and introduction to electroweak unification
Prerequisites for admission
1. Quantum Mechanics (non relativisitica theory)
2. Classical electrodynamics (including Special Relativity)
3. Foundations of Nuclear and Subnuclear Physics
2. Classical electrodynamics (including Special Relativity)
3. Foundations of Nuclear and Subnuclear Physics
Teaching methods
The teaching method consists of theory lessons on the blackboard and in the solution of exercises on the topics covered.
Teaching Resources
-Peskin e Schroeder, Introduction to quantum field theory;
-Mandl e Shaw, Quantum Field theory
-Maggiore, A modern introduction to quantum field theory;
-Becchi e Ridolfi, Introduction to relativistic processes and the Standard Model of electroweak interactions;
-Altarelli, Collider Physics within the Standard Model: a Primer;
-Ellis, Stirling e Webber, QCD and Collider Physics;
-Radovanovic, Problem book in quantum field theory
-Mandl e Shaw, Quantum Field theory
-Maggiore, A modern introduction to quantum field theory;
-Becchi e Ridolfi, Introduction to relativistic processes and the Standard Model of electroweak interactions;
-Altarelli, Collider Physics within the Standard Model: a Primer;
-Ellis, Stirling e Webber, QCD and Collider Physics;
-Radovanovic, Problem book in quantum field theory
Assessment methods and Criteria
Written homework problems with oral discussion of the solutions and of the topics covered in class.
FIS/02 - THEORETICAL PHYSICS, MATHEMATICAL MODELS AND METHODS - University credits: 6
Lessons: 42 hours
Professor:
Ferrera Giancarlo
Shifts:
-
Professor:
Ferrera GiancarloProfessor(s)