Learning of basic concepts and functional methods in quantum field theory, with particular reference to QED as a prototype of gauge theories. One of the aims of the course is also to provide the necessary theoretical tools for the understanding of the subjects treated in the course Theory of Fundamental Interactions.
Course Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of non-relativistic quantum mechanics and special relativity. Attendance of the course Quantum Electrodymanics is suggested.
Teaching Methods
Lectures at the blackboard. For every subject a reference to the provided material is given, including also an indication of the most relevant material of the bibliography.
Assessment Methods
Oral examination, aimed at testing the level of knowledge of the fundamental concepts. Some technical details, necessary for a (as far as possible) self-contained development of the lectures, are not strictly required.
Texts
-Lecture notes provided by the teacher. Within the reference material given in the lecture notes, the following textbooks are suggested: - L.H. Ryder, Quantum Field Theory, Cambridge, 1996 - A. Zee, Quantum Field Theory in a Nutshell, Princeton University Press, 2010 - U. Mosel, Path Integrals in Field Theory - An Introduction, Springer, 2004 - M. Bohm, A. Denner, H. Joos, Gauge Theories of the Strong and Electroweak Interaction, Springer, 2001
Contents
- Path-integral quantization in non-relativistic quantum mechanics. - Functional approach in quantum field theory: quantization of scalar fields, vectorial fields (with reference to gauge fields) and of fermionic fields, for non interacting fields. - Interacting fields; general relation between Green functions and S-matrix elements: LSZ reduction formualae. - Renormalization (general concepts, dimensional regularization and calculation of Green functions at one loop in perturbation theory) for a self-interacting scalar field and for Quantum Electrodynamics. - Infrared divergencies in Quantum Electrodynamics - Renormalization group: general concepts developed for a self-interacting scalar field and for Quantum Electrodymanics.
Course Language
Italian
More information
Attendance of the lectures is not compulsory but, nevertheless, suggested. Indeed, due to the complexity of the treated subjects, the direct interaction with the teacher can considerably simplify the learning process.
