Theory of Fundamental Interactions 1
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
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.
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 the student will be able to: 1. describe the
quantization procedure for the electromagnetic field, for the scalar field and for the Dirac field; 2. describe the kinematics of a physical
process of interaction between particles (phase space, reference system, Mandelstam invariants); 3. calculate the cross section at
tree level starting from the Feynman rules of QED; 4. set up a calculation with one or more loops and understand the meaning of the
procedure for the
renormalization the ultraviolet singularities and for the cancellation of the infrared singularities.
quantization procedure for the electromagnetic field, for the scalar field and for the Dirac field; 2. describe the kinematics of a physical
process of interaction between particles (phase space, reference system, Mandelstam invariants); 3. calculate the cross section at
tree level starting from the Feynman rules of QED; 4. set up a calculation with one or more loops and understand the meaning of the
procedure for the
renormalization the ultraviolet singularities and for the cancellation of the infrared singularities.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
- Maxwell equations and classical electromagnetic field
- Quantization of the elctromagnetic field
- Quantization of the scalar field
- The scalar propagator
- Symmetries and conservation laws
- Dirac equation
- Lorentz covariance and solutions of Dirac equation
- Quantization of the Dirac filed
- The fermionic propagator
- Covariant theory of the photons and photon propagator
- Interactions and perturbation theory
- The scattering matrix expansion and the Wick theorem
- Feynman diagrams and rules for QED
- Scattering cross section and decay rate
- Gamma matrix algebra and polarizations sum
- Lepton pair production in electron-positron annihilation
- Bhabha and Compton scattering
- Scattering in external field, bremsstrhalung einfrared divergences
- Radiative corrections, divergent loop diagrams
- Regularization and renormalization, the Ward identity
- The anomalous magnetic moment
- Quantization of the elctromagnetic field
- Quantization of the scalar field
- The scalar propagator
- Symmetries and conservation laws
- Dirac equation
- Lorentz covariance and solutions of Dirac equation
- Quantization of the Dirac filed
- The fermionic propagator
- Covariant theory of the photons and photon propagator
- Interactions and perturbation theory
- The scattering matrix expansion and the Wick theorem
- Feynman diagrams and rules for QED
- Scattering cross section and decay rate
- Gamma matrix algebra and polarizations sum
- Lepton pair production in electron-positron annihilation
- Bhabha and Compton scattering
- Scattering in external field, bremsstrhalung einfrared divergences
- Radiative corrections, divergent loop diagrams
- Regularization and renormalization, the Ward identity
- The anomalous magnetic moment
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
-F. Mandl, G. Shaw, Quantum Field theory, Wiley.
-M. Peskin, D. Schroeder, An introduction to quantum field theory, CRC Press.
-J.J. Sakurai, Advanced Quantum Mechanics, Addison Wesley.
-M. Peskin, D. Schroeder, An introduction to quantum field theory, CRC Press.
-J.J. Sakurai, Advanced Quantum Mechanics, Addison Wesley.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Written and oral exam. The exam consists of a written test requiring the resolution of relativistic quantum mechanics problems that cover the main topics of the syllabus, and an oral exam to verify the knowledge acquired during the course.
PHYS-02/A - Theoretical Physics of Fundamental Interactions, Models, Mathematical Methods and Applications - University credits: 6
Lessons: 42 hours
Professor:
Ferrera Giancarlo
Professor(s)