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8.323 Quantum Field Theory I   (Spring Term 1999)

Prerequisite: 8.322 (Quantum Mechanics II)

Text:  K. Huang, Quantum Field Theory (Wiley, New York, 1998)

    Lectures: Tu-Thurs 9:30 - 11:00 AM Rm. 13-5101 --- K. Huang Rm.6-309 Ext 3-4823 email kerson@mit.edu

    Recitation: Wed. 11 AM Rm. 13-5101 --- J. Ehrlich Rm. 6-415 Ext 3-7194 email dr_j@mit.edu

    Grader: --- N. Prezas Rm. 6-409A Ext 3-7034 email prezas@mit.edu

There will be weekly homework assignments and one quiz, with no final exam. The grade of the course will be determined by homework (40%) and quiz (60%). Quiz date: Thursday, April 22, 1999. This will be a one-hour, open-book quiz.

Result of quiz: Class average = 59

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS (Due at recitation section)

2/10/99 --- Chap.I #1,2,3,4

2/17/99 --- Chap.II #1,2,3,4,5

2/24/99 --- Chap.III #1,2,3,4,5 Chap.IV #1

3/3/99 --- Chap.IV #3,4,5

3/10/99 --- Chap.V #2,3,4,6

3/17/99 --- Chap.VI #1,4,6 Chap.VII #2,3

3/31/99 --- Chap.VIII #1,2,3,4

4/7/99 --- Chap.IX #1,2

4/14/99 --- Chap.IX #3,4 Chap.X #1,2

4/21/99 --- No homework due. Quiz on 4/22 (open book)

4/28/99 --- Chap.XI #3,4,5

5/5/99 --- Chap.XII # 1,2 *** This is the last assignment ***

This is an introductory course on quantum field theory. The contents correspond roughly to Chaps. 1-10 of the text cited above, with examples from quantum electrodynamics (Chaps. 11-12).

We start with a review of "second quantization"  and creation and annihilation operators. The scalar field is then discussed as a generic field theory, in which many properties of a quantum field theory are introduced. What makes relativistic field special is then discussed, in connection with representations of Poincare invariance (invariance under space-time translations and Lorentz transformations).

The canonical formalism is introduced as a unified way to derive the dynamics, and decribe symmetries and conservatin laws.

After discussing the important cases of the electromagnetic field and the Dirac field, we go on to dynamics, and the S matrix.

The aim is to finally come to Feynman graphs, and use them in physical examples drawn from quantum electrodynamics.

This course furnishes adquate background for advanced studies in particle, nuclear, atomic, and condensed matter physics.

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