Quantum field theory 2

lphys2234  2019-2020  Louvain-la-Neuve

Quantum field theory 2
Note from June 29, 2020
Although we do not yet know how long the social distancing related to the Covid-19 pandemic will last, and regardless of the changes that had to be made in the evaluation of the June 2020 session in relation to what is provided for in this learning unit description, new learnig unit evaluation methods may still be adopted by the teachers; details of these methods have been - or will be - communicated to the students by the teachers, as soon as possible.
5 credits
30.0 h
Q2

This biannual learning unit is being organized in 2019-2020
Teacher(s)
Govaerts Jan;
Language
English
Prerequisites
LPHYS2132
Main themes
- S matrix and correlation functions : asymptotic theory, Källen-Lehmann representation, LSZ reduction, time-ordered n point functions and perturbation theory.
- Renormalized perturbation theory to all orders, and renormalization schemes ;
i) Feynman diagrams approach ; ii) Functional integral and methods approach.
- Perturbative and non-perturbative functional methods in quantum field theory ; effective quantum action and potential.
- Selected topics in advanced quantum field theory, depending on the interests of each year's target audience, one of which being the topic of a personal project.
Aims

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

1 a.     Contribution of the teaching unit to the learning outcomes of the programme (PHYS2M and PHYS2M1)
AA1 : A1.1, A1.2, A1.6
AA2 : A2.1, A2.5
AA3 : A3.1, A3.2, A3.3, A3.4
AA4 : A4.1, A4.2
AA5 : A5.1, A5.2, A5.3, A5.4
AA6 : A6.1, A6.2
AA7 : A7.1, A7.3, A7.4
AA8 : A8.1
b.    Specific learning outcomes of the teaching unit
By the end of this teaching unit, the student will be able to :
1.     implement renormalised perturbation theory of theories with quantum scalar and spinorial fields, possibly even vector and gauge fields ;
2.     understand the roles of regularization and of renormalization points in a perturbative renormalization scheme ;
3.     explain the occurrence of masses and interaction coupling constants which are running functions of renormalization scales ;
4.     further the study of a specific topic of advanced quantum field theory ;
5.     relate the contents of the course to current developments in quantum field theory at the interface of the fundamental quantum interactions and of the gravitational interaction.
 

The contribution of this Teaching Unit to the development and command of the skills and learning outcomes of the programme(s) can be accessed at the end of this sheet, in the section entitled “Programmes/courses offering this Teaching Unit”.
Content
- S matrix and correlation functions: asymptotic theory, Källen-Lehmann representation, LSZ reduction, time-ordered n point functions and perturbation theory.
- Renormalized perturbation theory to all orders, and renormalization schemes :
i) Feynman diagrams approach ; ii) Functional integral and methods approach.
- Perturbative and non perturbative functional methods in quantum field theory ; effective quantum action and potential.
- Selected themes of advanced quantum field theory, depending on the interests of each year’s target audience, one of which being the topic of a personal project, as for instance :
a) non perturbative and topological methods and contributions (anomalies, instantons, monopoles, ...) ;
                     b) quantisation of gauge theories and BRST symmetry ;
                     c) renormalization group equations ;
                     d) supersymmetry and supergravity ;
                     e) quantum field theory on curved space-time ;
                     f) quantum entanglement ;
                     g) etc.
Teaching methods
Traditional lectures in class.
Integrative personal project - subject left to the student’s choice.
Reading portofolio for personal study.
Evaluation methods
Written examination with exercises combined with an individual oral exam based on a personal project report.
Bibliography
- M. E. Peskin and Daniel S. Schroeder, An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory (Westview Press, Perseus Books, 1995).
- Cl. Itzykson and J.-B. Zuber, Quantum Field Theory (MacGraw-Hill, New York, 1980).
- P. Ramond, Field Theory: A Modern Primer (Benjamin Cummings, Reading, 1981).
Ainsi que d’autres ouvrages et documents de référence en fonction des sujets choisis d’année en année.
As well as other reference books and documents depending on the chosen topics from one year to the next.
Faculty or entity
PHYS


Programmes / formations proposant cette unité d'enseignement (UE)

Title of the programme
Sigle
Credits
Prerequisites
Aims
Master [60] in Physics

Master [120] in Physics