Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - PHYS 812 G100

Introduction to Quantum Field Theory (3)

Class Number: 5885

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Mon, Wed, 4:30–5:45 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    PHYS 810 or equivalent.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A first course in relativistic quantum field theory (QFT), mainly quantum electrodynamics (QED). Canonical quantization of the Klein-Gordon, electromagnetic, and Dirac fields; gauge freedom; Feynman diagrams and rules, with applications to scattering cross sections and pair creation; renormalization, with applications to the anomalous magnetic moment of the electron and the Lamb shift.

COURSE DETAILS:

More advanced topics will be covered if time permits (see below).

TOPICS:
•    Relativistic field theories; Lagrangians and Hamiltonians; Noether’s theorem and symmetries; The transition to the quantum theory.
•    Canonical quantization of the Klein-Gordon field.
•    Quantization of the electromagnetic field: Gauge conditions and the restricted Fock space.
•    The Dirac field: Relativistic properties and quantization with anti-commutators.
•    Wick's theorem and perturbative scattering amplitudes.
•    Feynman diagrams and rules in QED; cross-sections etc.
•    QED in lowest order: Scattering; Particle-antiparticle pair creation.
•    Regularization and renormalization of QED at one-loop order; Anomalous magnetic moment of the electron.
•    Non-Abelian gauge theories and electroweak unification. Simple Higgs mechanisms.

Grading

  • TBA

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Textbooks (recommended, none required):

1) Quantum Field Theory, any edition, F. Mandl and G. Shaw, Wiley and Sons.
2) An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory, any edition, M.E. Peskin and D.V. Schroeder,
Perseus Books.
3) The Quantum Theory of Fields, Vol.1, any edition, S. Weinberg, Cambridge University Press.
4) Any other good textbook you like. (There are many good ones out there.)

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2022

Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place.  Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the spring 2022 term.