Symmetries and the Noether's theorem. Path integral formulation of quantum mechanics. Functional integral formulation of quantum field theory. Introduction to perturbation theory for functional integrals. Introduction to renormalization and regularization. Abelian and non-Abelian gauge theories. Quantization of gauge theories. Quantum electrodynamics. Quantum chromodynamics. Anomalies in perturbation theory. Gauge theories with spontaneous symmetry breaking. Quantization of spontaneously broken gauge theories. Symmetry breaking and Goldstone's theorem. The BCS model. The Higgs mechanism. Mean-field theory and the Hartree-Fock method.
SI2410 Quantum Field Theory 7.5 credits
"Quantum Field Theory" is a course in which one should learn functional integral formalisms for quantum field theories. In addition, important examples of quantum field theoretical models in particle physics and condensed matter physics will be discussed. The concepts of renormalization and regularization in quantum field theory will be described and the idea of effective models will be mentioned.
Choose semester and course offering
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Application
For course offering
Autumn 2024 Start 26 Aug 2024 programme students
Application code
51577
Headings with content from the Course syllabus SI2410 (Spring 2022–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
Intended learning outcomes
After completion of the course you should be able to:
- use functional integrals and perturbation theory in quantum field theory.
- apply renormalization and regularization with quantum field theory.
- have knowledge about gauge theories as well as quantum electrodynamics and quantum chromodynamics.
- know spontaneously broken gauge theories as BCS theory and the Higgs model.
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
English B / English 6
Recommended prerequisites
Advanced Quantum Mechanics.
Relativistic Quantum Physics.
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: A, B, C, D, E, FX, 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 hp) and an oral exam (TEN1; 3 hp).
Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination
No information inserted
Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination
No
Examiner
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
Main field of study
Physics
Education cycle
Second cycle
Add-on studies
No information inserted
Contact
Sandhya Choubey (choubey@kth.se)