Introduction to Quantum Field Theory (232A)
Fall 2009
HW #12 posted
Topics covered in the course
This course introduces quantum field theory with a special emphasis
on quantum electrodynamics (QED). QED is the most precisely tested
physical theory, verified down to the 12th digit of electron magnetic moment.
It is also relevant to broad areas of physics such as atmoic, nuclear, particle
physics and astrophysics.
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Lectures:
Tue Thu 9:30-11:00 (402 LeConte)
- Discussion section:
Fri 2:00-3:00 (402 LeConte)
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Homeworks: weekly, due Mon 3:00, drop box in 251 LeConte (top
right)
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Instructor:
Hitoshi Murayama
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E-mail:
hitoshi_at_berkeley.edu
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Phone:
2-1019, 486-5589 (LBNL)
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Office:
411 LeConte, 50-5056E (LBNL)
- Office
Hour: Tu 11-12
- GSI: Jeremy Mardon
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E-mail: jmardon_at_berkeley.edu
- Office:
420B LeConte
- Office hours:
Wed 4:30-5:30 (402 LeConte)
Prerequisites
221AB (Graduate-level Quantum Mechanics) or equivalent and
familiarity with special relativity. Concurrent enrollment in 226
recommended for those interested in particle physics.
A Few Special Things
Students from UC Merced will take the course via video
connection, first time in Berkeley Physics. We'll see how well it works!
Course Outline
- Why Quantum Field Theory?
- Non-relativistic Schrödinger field theory and its
equivalence to conventional quantum mechanics
- Brief review of special relativity
- Canonical quantization of scalar fields
- Dirac equation and its canonical quantization
- Canonical quantization of the electromagnetic (Maxwell) field
- Perturbation theory with Feynman diagrams
- Sample processes in quantum electrodynamics
- Radiative corrections and renormalization
- Renormalization group methods
Primary Textbook
- “An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory,” Michael
E. Peskin and Daniel V. Schroeder, Addison and Wesley (1985). Errata
Handouts
Homework
Weekly homework and final take-home exam (worth two homework).
Useful links