Gauge Theories Of The Strong, Weak, And Electromagnetic Interactions (second Edition)

By (author) Quigg Chris
Short description/annotation
Offers an introduction to gauge theories and their applications to high-energy particle physics, and takes a look at two new laws of nature-quantum chromodynamics and the electroweak theory. This title examines the logic and structure behind gauge theories and the experimental underpinnings of theories.
Description
This completely revised and updated graduate-level textbook is an ideal introduction to gauge theories and their applications to high-energy particle physics, and takes an in-depth look at two new laws of nature--quantum chromodynamics and the electroweak theory. From quantum electrodynamics through unified theories of the interactions among leptons and quarks, Chris Quigg examines the logic and structure behind gauge theories and the experimental underpinnings of today''s theories. Quigg emphasizes how we know what we know, and in the era of the Large Hadron Collider, his insightful survey of the standard model and the next great questions for particle physics makes for compelling reading. The brand-new edition shows how the electroweak theory developed in conversation with experiment. Featuring a wide-ranging treatment of electroweak symmetry breaking, the physics of the Higgs boson, and the importance of the 1-TeV scale, the book moves beyond established knowledge and investigates the path toward unified theories of strong, weak, and electromagnetic interactions. Explicit calculations and diverse exercises allow readers to derive the consequences of these theories. Extensive annotated bibliographies accompany each chapter, amplify points of conceptual or technical interest, introduce further applications, and lead readers to the research literature. Students and seasoned practitioners will profit from the text''s current insights, and specialists wishing to understand gauge theories will find the book an ideal reference for self-study. * Brand-new edition of a landmark text introducing gauge theories * Consistent attention to how we know what we know * Explicit calculations develop concepts and engage with experiment * Interesting and diverse problems sharpen skills and ideas * Extensive annotated bibliographies
Table of contents
Preface xi One Introduction 1 1.1 Elements of the Standard Model of Particle Physics 4 1.2 Leptons 6 1.3 Quarks 7 1.4 The Fundamental Interactions 15 Problems 18 For Further Reading 21 References 23 Two Lagrangian Formalism and Conservation Laws 25 2.1 Hamilton''s Principle 26 2.2 Free Field Theory Examples 28 2.3 Symmetries and Conservation Laws 30 Problems 33 For Further Reading 35 References 37 Three The Idea of Gauge Invariance 38 3.1 Historical Preliminaries 38 3.2 Gauge Invariance in Classical Electrodynamics 40 3.3 Phase Invariance in Quantum Mechanics 42 3.4 Significance of Potentials in Quantum Theory 44 3.5 Phase Invariance in Field Theory 46 3.6 Feynman Rules for Electromagnetism 50 Problems 52 For Further Reading 53 References 56 Four Non-Abelian Gauge Theories 57 4.1 Motivation 57 4.2 Construction 58 4.3 Some Physical Consequences 63 4.4 Assessment 66 Problems 66 For Further Reading 69 References 70 Five Hidden Symmetries 71 5.1 The Idea of Spontaneously Broken Symmetries 72 5.2 Spontaneous Breaking of Continuous Symmetries 76 5.3 Spontaneous Breaking of a Gauge Symmetry 78 5.4 The Sigma Model 81 5.5 Spontaneous Breaking of a Non-Abelian Symmetry 86 5.6 Prospects 87 Problems 88 For Further Reading 91 References 94 Six Electroweak Interactions of Leptons 95 6.1 An Effective Lagrangian for the Weak Interactions 96 6.2 Intermediate Vector Bosons: A First Look 110 6.3 The Standard Electroweak Theory of Leptons 120 6.4 Neutral-Current Interactions among Leptons 135 6.5 The Higgs Boson: A First Look 146 6.6 The Higgs Boson, Asymptotic Behavior, and the 1-TeV Scale 151 6.7 Neutrino Mixing and Neutrino Mass 156 6.8 Renormalizabilit