PHYS 4400/3110

Directed Study/Methods in Theoretical Particle Physics

Professor Nikolaos Kidonakis

Description 

The directed study/methods course is an independent study followed by a research project in theoretical particle physics. The particle content of the Standard Model and the forces with which elementary particles interact will be presented. The field theories of quantum electrodynamics, quantum chromodynamics, and electroweak theory will be introduced. The student will acquire experience in theoretical physics research by calculating higher-order corrections for scattering processes. 

Content

Introduction to the Standard Model

Elementary particles and fundamental interactions

Relativistic kinematics; Klein-Gordon equation

Dirac equation; antiparticles

Feynman rules; cross sections 

Quantum electrodynamics; dimensional regularization; renormalization 

Quantum Chromodynamics; asymptotic freedom 

Weak interactions; electroweak unification 

Spontaneous symmetry breaking; Higgs mechanism 

Higher-order calculations; top quark production 

Soft gluons; resummation