Quantum Field Theory I

Lorentz invariance and second quantization, classical field theory and classical symmetries, perturbation theory, S-matrix and LSZ, Feynman rules, quantum electrodynamics (QED), spin-1 and gauge invariance, spinors, spinor solutions and CPT, spin and statistics, path integrals, Casimir effect, renormalized perturbation theory, infrared divergence, renormalizability, and non-renormalizable theories.

By the end of the course, students will understand the theoretical foundations of relativistic quantum field theory and be able to construct and quantize Lorentz-invariant field models, analyze their symmetries, and compute scattering amplitudes using perturbative methods. They will acquire practical skills in applying path-integral and canonical formalisms, gauge invariance, and renormalization techniques, and be able to interpret key physical phenomena such as the Casimir effect and quantum vacuum fluctuations.

Lectures and problem sessions. Expected workload in the course is 225 hours.

Joint lectures with FY8914.