QFT Notes

Introduction

Welcome to the Quantum Fields and Particles notes!

Quantum field theory underlies all of modern physics, from elementary particles to quantum materials to cosmology and beyond. These notes provide an introduction to the basic ideas: what fields and particles are, why they are necessary to a modern understanding of physics, and how we do calculations with them.

Course Overview

Quantum field theory results from combining single-particle quantum mechanics with special relativity.

These notes begin with a brief summary of nomenclature and ideas from quantum mechanics and special relativity. If any of this is unfamiliar, please consult the appropriate undergraduate notes.

We then proceed to study the two main routes to creating quantum fields: 1  Canonical Field Quantization, and 2  Path Integral Field Quantization.

The excitement mounts once we consider 3  Interacting Quantum Fields. Finally, 4  Types of Fields and Their Particles provides a field guide to fields: the different types and where to spot them.