F7040 Quantum electrodynamics

Faculty of Science
Autumn 2023
Extent and Intensity
2/1/0. 2 credit(s) (fasci plus compl plus > 4). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
doc. Franz Hinterleitner, Ph.D. (lecturer)
doc. Franz Hinterleitner, Ph.D. (seminar tutor)
Guaranteed by
doc. Franz Hinterleitner, Ph.D.
Department of Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics – Physics Section – Faculty of Science
Contact Person: doc. Franz Hinterleitner, Ph.D.
Supplier department: Department of Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics – Physics Section – Faculty of Science
Timetable
Wed 12:00–12:50 FLenc,03028, Thu 8:00–9:50 FLenc,03028
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
Relativistic scalar and vector field equations. Second quantization. Quantum theory of the free electron: spinors, Dirac equation, electrons and positrons. Propagator in spacetime and momentum space representation. Quantum theory of the free electromagnetic field. Interaction picture, perturbation theory of interacting quantum fields. Quantum electrodynamics - general formalism: propagators, Feynman diagrams and rules how to calculate with them. Scattering in an external potential, pair creation, Compton scattering, electron scattering, vacuum polarization and electron self-energy. Exact propagators and vertex functions. Renormalization. Aims: knowledge of the scalar and the Dirac wave equation; Fock state of particle states; ability to construct simple Feynman diagrams; basic understanding of the principles of renormalization
Learning outcomes
after absolving the lecture the students • - know the Klein-Gordon and the Dirac equations and the mechanism of quantum field theory • - are able to draw simple Feynman diagrams and calculate the corresponding transition amplitudes • - are familiar with the principle and techniques of renormalization
Syllabus
  • Relativistic scalar and vector field equations.
  • Second quantization. Quantum theory of the free electron: spinors, Dirac equation, electrons and positrons.
  • Propagator in spacetime and momentum space representation.
  • Quantum theory of the free electromagnetic field.
  • Interaction picture, perturbation theory of interacting quantum fields.
  • Quantum electrodynamics - general formalism: propagators, Feynman diagrams and rules how to calculate with them. Scattering in an external potential, pair creation, Compton scattering, electron scattering, vacuum polarization and electron self-energy.
  • Exact propagators and vertex functions. Renormalization.
Literature
  • PESKIN, Michael E. and Daniel V. SCHROEDER. An introduction to quantum field theory. Cambridge, Mass.: Perseus books, 1995, xxii, 842. ISBN 0-201-50397-2. info
  • BJORKEN, James D. and Sidney D. DRELL. Relativistic quantum fields. New York: McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1965, xiv, 396. info
  • BJORKEN, James D. and Sidney D. DRELL. Relativistic quantum mechanics. New York: McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1964, ix, 299. info
Teaching methods
lectures
Assessment methods
Solved examples and an oral exam. Solution of the problems handed out in the course of the semester is mandatory.
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
Study Materials
The course can also be completed outside the examination period.
The course is taught annually.
The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2007 - for the purpose of the accreditation, Autumn 1999, Autumn 2010 - only for the accreditation, Autumn 2000, Autumn 2001, Autumn 2002, Autumn 2003, Autumn 2004, Autumn 2005, Autumn 2006, Autumn 2007, Autumn 2008, Autumn 2009, Autumn 2010, Autumn 2011, Autumn 2011 - acreditation, spring 2012 - acreditation, Autumn 2012, Autumn 2013, Autumn 2014, Autumn 2015, Autumn 2016, autumn 2017, Autumn 2018, Autumn 2019, Autumn 2020, autumn 2021, Autumn 2022, Autumn 2024.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Autumn 2023, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/sci/autumn2023/F7040