87958 - Quantum Field Theory 1

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will learn the physical principles of relativistic quantum field theory and the related mathematical methods which are at the basis of the models describing the quantized scalar, spinor and vector fields, both in the massive and massless case. He/she will also reach a basic understanding of the space-time and internal symmetries which characterise the dynamics of such models.

Course contents

1) Motivation and main concepts of Relativistic Quantum Field Theory

2) Mechanical model of a quantum field: quantisation of an elastic string which is the continuous limit of a one-dimensional lattice of many atoms

3) Space-time symmetries: Lorentz and Poincaré groups

4) Classical field theory: Euler-Lagrange equations, Noether's theorem and internal symmetries

5) Canonical quantisation of the real Klein-Gordon field

6) Canonical quantisation of the complex Klein-Gordon field

7) Canonical quantisation of the Dirac field

8) Canonical quantisation of the electromagnetic field

9) Free propagators for spin 0, 1 and 1/2 fields

10) Basic principles of interacting theory: S-matrix, perturbative expasions, scattering amplitudes and decay rates

Readings/Bibliography

1) "Quantum Field Theory", L. H. Ryder

2) "An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory", M. E. Peskin and D. V. Schroeder

3) "The Quantum Theory of Fields", Volume I, S. Weinberg

4) "Quantum Field Theory" lectures notes by David Tong:

http://www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/user/tong/qft/qft.pdf

5) "Quantum Field Theory" lecture notes by Timo Weigand:

https://www.thphys.uni-heidelberg.de/~weigand/QFT2-14/SkriptQFT2.pdf

Teaching methods

Standard blackboard lectures

Assessment methods

Written exam with open theory questions and exercises, duration: 2 hours. 

Students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) or temporary/permanent disabilities are advised to contact the corresponding University Office in advance ( https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en ). The office will be responsible for proposing any necessary accommodations to the students concerned. These accommodations must be submitted to the instructor for approval at least 15 days in advance, and will be evaluated in light of the learning objectives of the course.

Office hours

See the website of Michele Cicoli