Concepts in Particle Physics

The 2013 discovery of the Higgs boson posed a challenge to both physics undergraduates and their instructors. Since particle physics is seldom taught at the undergraduate level, the question "what is the Higgs and why does its discovery matter?" is a common question among undergraduates. Equally, answering this question is a problem for physics instructors.

This book is an attempt to put the key concepts of particle physics together in an appealing way, and yet give enough extra tidbits for students seriously considering graduate studies in particle physics. It starts with some recapitulation of relativity and quantum mechanics, and then builds on it to give both conceptual ideas regarding the Standard Model of particle physics as well as technical details. It is presented in an informal lecture style, and includes "remarks" sections where extra material, history, or technical details are presented for the interested student. The last lecture presents an assessment of the open questions, and where the future might take us.
Contents: The Standard ModelReview of Special RelativityQuantum Mechanics and the PropagatorScattering Processes and Feynman DiagramsPhotons and the Electromagnetic FieldProcesses with PhotonsCross Section and Dimensional AnalysisMore on the Dirac EquationOther Forces: Weak InteractionsThe Gauge PrincipleThe Gauge Principle IIGauge Symmetry: The Matrix GeneralizationGauge Symmetry: The Matrix Generalization IIBack to Particles and The Strong Nuclear ForceMore on Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD)Mesons and BaryonsSpontaneous Symmetry BreakingSuperconductivity and Electroweak InteractionsElectroweak Interactions and the Story of MassCP-Violation and Matter vs AntimatterMany Big Questions Remain
Readership: Advanced undergraduates studying particle physics.
Keywords:Particle Physics;Standard ModelReview:0