Relativistic Quantum Mechanics and Field Theory

Aim and Content

The course covers relativistic quantum mechanics, expressed by the Dirac equation, Lorentz covariance of the equation, antiparticles, and Klein's paradox. The course also covers quantization of the Klein-Gordon field, the Dirac field and the photon field. The course forms the basis for understanding relativistic effects in atomic physics, and for studying interacting quantum fields. It is the basis for PHYS342.

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the students should be able to

• explain the Dirac equation, with free-particle solutions,
• determine non-relativistic limit and electron spin,
• explain the existence of antiparticles,
• explain symmetries and conservation laws
• explain plane-wave expansions of scalar, Dirac and the photon fields,
• explain canonical momentum and quantization of fields
• explain causality and the Feynman propagator

Course offered (semester)

Autumn, The course runs only if enough students enrol

Language of Instruction

English if English-speaking students attend the seminars, otherwise Norwegian

Pre-requirements

Basic knowledge of minimum 60 ECTS in physics + Course corresponding to PHYS201 Quantum Mechanics or equivalent.

Recommended previous knowledge

PHYS 201

Assessment methods

Oral exam

Grading Scale

The grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade in the grading scale, grade F is a fail.