PHYS 4400
Directed Study in Theoretical Particle Physics
Dr. Nikolaos Kidonakis
Description
The directed study 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.
Schedule of activities
Introduction to the Standard Model:
quarks and leptons; photons, gluons, W and Z bosons
Elementary description of forces; Feynman diagrams
Relativistic kinematics
Feynman rules; cross sections
Quantum electrodynamics; dimensional regularization;
renormalization
Quantum Chromodynamics; asymptotic freedom
Weak interactions; electroweak unification
Yang-Mills theory; spontaneous symmetry breaking; Higgs mechanism
Higher-order calculations; top quark production
Eikonal approximation; resummations;
one-loop and two-loop calculations