OVERVIEW

This course aims to explore advanced topics in the theory of fundamental interactions. In particular, it will cover renormalization, the infrared problem, and effective field theories. The course will focus on quantum electrodynamics (QED), examining its fundamental properties and highlighting similarities and differences with the field theories that describe the fundamental interactions of the Standard Model, such as QCD and the electroweak theory.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

In this course, we study radiative corrections in quantum field theory, which is the theoretical tool that allows us to arrive at a quantitative understanding of high-energy physics.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

After completing this course, the student will be able to

• describe the basic concepts related to renormalisation in quantum field theory;
• apply perturbative techniques to compute observables in quantum field theory;
• compute Feynman diagrams at one loop and interpret the results;
• understand and exploit the framework of effective field theories;
• use symbolic-calculus computer programs (e.g Mathematica) to manipulate compliicated expressions and perform analytic calculations of Feynman diagrams.

PREREQUISITES

The basics of quantum field theory presented in the Theoretical Physics course. The contents of the course Theory of Fundamental Interactions 1 will also be assumed as prior knowledge.

TEACHING METHODS

Blackboard lectures and slides.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

1. Introduction to renormalization. Loop integrals and their regularization.

2. One-loop radiative corrections in QED: correction to the fermion propagator; vertex corrections and g−2g−2; vacuum polarization. Brief overview of one-loop corrections in non-Abelian gauge theories.

3. Renormalized perturbation theory. Renormalization schemes. Running coupling constant in QED and QCD. The RR ratio in the next-to-leading-order approximation.

4. The infrared region: soft photons.

5. The formalism of effective field theories.

   During the course, the use of symbolic computation programs, such as Mathematica, will be introduced for the evaluation of Feynman diagrams.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Recommended textbook

-M. Schwartz: “Quantum Field Theory and the Standard Model”

Other textbooks

-M. Maggiore: “A modern introduction to Quantum Field Theory”

-S. Weinberg: “The Quantum Theory of Fields Vol 1”

-M. Peskin and D. Schroeder: “An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory”

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

 https://corsi.unige.it/corsi/9012/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral exam about the topics of the syllabus.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The oral exam will last about 40mins. Every student will be asked to present a topic from the syllabus and questions will be asked in order to assess the student's understanding of the material. During the lectures, students will be given the opportunity to solve problems and exercises, as a means of self-evaluation.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Sergio Di Domizio (sergio.didomizio@unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.