Quantum field theory, Part 2 : introduction to renormalization

Duration

10h Th, 5h Pr

Number of credits

Lecturer

Jean-René Cudell

Language(s) of instruction

English language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the second semester

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

Introduction to the modern concepts of charge and mass, and to the renormalisation of theoretical parameters.
Contents
1. Higher orders in classical and in quantum physics, loops, Wick rotation, mass renormalisation, Feynman parameters
2. Other renormalised quantities: coupling, norm of fields; non renormalizable theories
3. Relation with cutting rules and dispersion relations; vacuum polarisation
4. R1
5. dimensional regularisation and vacuum polarisation
6. Electron mass 
7. R2
8. Electron charge
9. Renormalisation group
10. R3

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

The purpose of this course is to explain as simply as possible the basic concepts that enable higher-order calculations in quantum field theory.
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
1) define mass and charge;
2) calculate at second order in field theory;
3) understand the concept of renormalization.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

SPAT0062-1 or an equivalent course

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

This course is based on lectures,  and to discussion sessions where problems (see the course webpages for the list) are discussed, as shown in the table of contents. The problems will be solved by the students, under the guidance of the instructor. Preparing them is strongly advised.  

Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning)

The references for each lecture, notes and the list of problems are available on the course web pages.  

Recommended or required readings

Textbook : M.E. Peskin et D.V. Schroeder, An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory (Addison-Wesley : 1995).

Assessment methods and criteria

Written exam, followed by a discussion. The first question is on the theory, and the list of possible questions is available on the course web pages (it is subject to change during the year). The second question (given after the theory question is returned) is an open-book exercise. The written part lasts 2 hours.

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

The course will be organised in 10 one-and-a-half-hour lectures/discussion sessions (see contents).

Contacts

Jean-René Cudell
Institute of physics 19A Allée du 6 août Bldg B5a (4th floor, room 4/44) University of Liège Tel.: 04/3663654
E-mail: jr.cudell@ulg.ac.be
Web pages: http://www.theo.phys.ulg.ac.be

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