Scattering Amplitudes in Quantum Field Theory
Module PH2316
Basic Information
PH2316 is a semester module in English language at Master’s level which is offered in winter semester.
This Module is included in the following catalogues within the study programs in physics.
- Specific catalogue of special courses for nuclear, particle, and astrophysics
- Complementary catalogue of special courses for condensed matter physics
- Complementary catalogue of special courses for Biophysics
- Complementary catalogue of special courses for Applied and Engineering Physics
- Specialization Modules in Elite-Master Program Theoretical and Mathematical Physics (TMP)
If not stated otherwise for export to a non-physics program the student workload is given in the following table.
Total workload | Contact hours | Credits (ECTS) |
---|---|---|
150 h | 45 h | 5 CP |
Responsible coordinator of the module PH2316 is Lorenzo Tancredi.
Content, Learning Outcome and Preconditions
Content
This course provides an introduction to modern methods in perturbative Quantum Field Theory, which find their primary application in high-energy physics
- Representations of the Lorentz and Poincare group, little group and spinor representations
- Spinor helicity formalism for Scattering Amplitudes
- Tree-Level amplitudes, color decomposition and primitive amplitudes, recursion techniques
- Loop amplitudes and treatment of UV and IR divergences in dimensional regularization
- Optical theorem, dispersion relations and the analytic structure of scattering amplitudes
- Basics of Generalized unitarity for one-loop scattering amplitudes
- Introduction to Modern multiloop techniques (Direct Integration techniques, Integration by Parts identities, Differential Equations)
- Introduction to the theory of Special Functions (classical polylogarithms, multiple polylogarithms and the symbol map, generalizations)
Learning Outcome
After successful completion of the module the students understand modern ideas and methods in the theory of Scattering Amplitudes in perturbative Quantum Field Theory. In particular, the students:
- Can use the spinor helicity formalism and recursive methods for tree-level amplitudes in Yang-Mills theories.
- Understand the origin of IR and UV divergences in scattering amplitudes
- Can decompose scattering amplitudes in independent master integrals and understand their analytic properties
- Know how to compute one-loop Feynman integrals in dimensional regularization by direct integration
- Can apply integration by parts identities and differential equations to Feynman integrals
- Have an understanding of the basic properties of iterated integrals and in particular of polylogarithms
Preconditions
Very good knowledge of Advanced Quantum Mechanics and Special Relativity are essential.
A knowledge of Quantum Field Theory as provided in PH2040 (Relativity, Particles and Fields) and PH1008 (Quantum Field Theory) would be desirable. In particular, familiarity with Scalar, QED and Yang Mills Feynman rules will be assumed for some parts of the course.
Very motivated students can profit from this class by attending it in parallel with PH1008.
Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature
Courses and Schedule
Type | SWS | Title | Lecturer(s) | Dates | Links |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
VO | 2 | Scattering Amplitudes in Quantum Field Theory | Tancredi, L. |
Thu, 08:00–10:00, PH 3344 |
|
UE | 1 | Exercise to Scattering Amplitudes in Quantum Field Theory |
Responsible/Coordination: Tancredi, L. |
dates in groups |
Learning and Teaching Methods
Blackboard lectures and weekly exercises
Media
Blackboard lectures, possibly (but not necessarily) accompanied by slides
Literature
- Quantum Field Theory and the Standard Model, M. Schwartz
- Scattering Amplitudes in Gauge Theory and Gravity, H. Elvang and Y.T. Huang
- Scattering Amplitudes in Gauge Theories, J. Henn and J. Plefka
- Calculating Scattering Amplitudes Efficiently, L. Dixon https://arxiv.org/abs/hep-ph/9601359
Module Exam
Description of exams and course work
There will be an oral exam of 25 minutes duration. Therein the achievement of the competencies given in section learning outcome is tested exemplarily at least to the given cognition level using comprehension questions and sample calculations.
For example an assignment in the exam might be: Computation of Tree Level amplitudes with Recursion Techniques; Discussion of Properties of One Loop Feynman Integrals;
Participation in the exercise classes is strongly recommended since the exercises prepare for the problems of the exam and rehearse the specific competencies.
Exam Repetition
The exam may be repeated at the end of the semester.