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SI2390 Relativistic Quantum Physics 7.5 credits

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"Relativistic Quantum Physics" is a course where important theories for elementary particle physics and symmetries are learned. During the course, it will be illustrated how relativistic symmetries and gauge symmetries can restrict "possible" theories. The course will give an introduction to perturbation theory and Feynman diagrams. The problem with divergencies will be mentioned and the concepts for regularization and renormalization will be illustrated.

Choose semester and course offering

Choose semester and course offering to see current information and more about the course, such as course syllabus, study period, and application information.

Application

For course offering

Spring 2025 Start 14 Jan 2025 programme students

Application code

61113

Headings with content from the Course syllabus SI2390 (Spring 2022–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )

Content and learning outcomes

Course contents

I. Relativistic quantum mechanics

Tensor notation. Casimir operators. The Poincaré group. Irreducible representations of particles. The Klein-Gordon equation. The Dirac equation. The structure of Dirac particles. The Dirac equation: central potentials. The Weyl equation. Maxwell's equations and quantization of the electromagnetic field. Introduction to Yang-Mills theory.

II. Introduction to quantum field theory

Neutral and charged Klein-Gordon fields. The Dirac field. The Majorana field. Asymptotic fields: LSZ formulation. Perturbation theory. Introduction to quantum electrodynamics. Interacting fields and Feynman diagrams. Elementary processes of quantum electrodynamics. Introduction to radiative corrections.

Intended learning outcomes

After completion of the course you should be able to:

  • apply the Poincaré group as well as classify particle representations.
  • analyze the Klein-Gordon and the Dirac equations.
  • solve the Weyl equation.
  • know Maxwell's equations and classical Yang-Mills theory.
  • quantize Klein-Gordon, Dirac, and Majorana fields as well as formulate the Lagrangian for these fields.
  • use perturbation theory in simple quantum field theories.
  • formulate the Lagrangian for quantum electrodynamics as well as analyze this.
  • derive Feynman rules from simple quantum field theories as well as interpret Feynman diagrams.
  • analyze elementary processes in quantum electrodynamics.
  • compute radiative corrections to elementary processes in quantum electrodynamics.

Literature and preparations

Specific prerequisites

English B / English 6

Recommended prerequisites

Quantum Physics.
Relativity Theory.
Analytical Mechanics and Classical Field Theory (recommended).

Equipment

No information inserted

Literature

No information inserted

Examination and completion

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

Grading scale

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Examination

  • INL1 - Assignments, 4.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
  • TEN1 - Examination, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Other requirements for final grade

Hand in assignments (INL1; 4,5 university credits) and an oral exam (TEN1; 3 university credits).

Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination

No information inserted

Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination

No

Examiner

Profile picture Tommy Ohlsson

Ethical approach

  • All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
  • In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
  • In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Further information

Course room in Canvas

Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas. A link to the course room can be found under the tab Studies in the Personal menu at the start of the course.

Offered by

SCI/Undergraduate Physics

Main field of study

Physics

Education cycle

Second cycle

Add-on studies

No information inserted

Contact

Tommy Ohlsson (tohlsson@kth.se)