Invitation to Particle Cosmology: inner structure of hadrons and quantum chromodynamics 1100-IPC5
The topic changes every year and this year is devoted to inner structure of hadrons and quantum chromodynamics.
First, we discus elastic scattering between an electron and a hadron in relativistic quantum scattering theory, to understand how we probe the inner structure of a hadron via an electron-scattering experiment.
After recapitulating quantum electrodynamics, we discuss how the elastic scattering is modified for an energetic electron.
Then, we introduce quantum chromodynamics as the most microscopic description of a hadron.
In particular, we discuss how quarks and gluons, which have not been directly observed, describe very high-energy scattering between an electron and a hadron.
- Non-relativistic elastic scattering between an electron and a hadron (Lippmann–Schwinger equation, Born approximation, form factor)
- Review of quantum electrodynamics (gauge fixing, Becchi-Rouet-Stora-Tyutin symmetry, running gauge coupling, Feynman rules; basic knowledge about Dirac fermion and Maxwell theory is assumed)
- Relativistic (quasi-)elastic scattering between an electron and a hadron (Mott formula, Rosenbluth formula, factorization, Weizsäcker-Williams approximation)
- Quantum chromodynamics (Bjorken scaling, parton, non-abelian gauge theory, asymptotic freedom, chiral symmetry)
- Deep inelastic scattering between an electron and a hadron (structure function, current correlator, complex momentum plane, operator product expansion)
Course coordinators
Assessment criteria
Grade is based on presentation by students about a topic of their choice in particle cosmology (broadly defined; other topics would be accepted but not preferable).
For those who do not have an idea of the presentation topic, another option (e.g, solving a problem set, writing an essay) would be suggested.
Activity during the lecture (e.g., asking questions, pointing out typos) is also taken into account.