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Low Energy Particle Physics
Lecturer: Degenkolb
Link to LSF
8 participants
This lecture will survey modern low-energy particle physics with an emphasis on measurements in hadronic, nuclear, atomic, and molecular systems. Perhaps surprisingly, measurements at very low energies provide information on high-energy physics that cannot be obtained directly via collider experiments. This complementarity will be explored through a number of examples, including permanent electric dipole moments and other signatures of discrete symmetry violations that are crucial for testing the Standard Model and searching for new physics. Context will be developed in terms of particle physics, cosmology, and precision measurements.
A Bachelor-level background in general physics, and a Master-level course in at least one of atomic physics or particle physics are assumed as preparation, but exceptionally well prepared Bachelor students are also welcome. Please contact the lecturer directly, if you have questions about the lecture scope or suitability of your preparation/background.
Key topics:
- Effective field theory for low energy observables (within and beyond the Standard Model)
- Symmetry violations, especially parity, time-reversal, and CP
- Permanent electric dipole moments and the matter/antimatter asymmetry of the universe
- Anomalous magnetic moments of the leptons
- Quantum bound states in Earth's gravity field
- Antihydrogen production and trapping
- Atomic clocks and precision spectroscopy
- Hadronic parity violation
- Angular correlations in beta decay
- Neutron lifetime and decay modes
- Quantum spectroscopy with polarized particles
- Interferometry with massive particles
- Supporting topics: statistics and global analysis, connections of particle physics to cosmology, sources/detectors for particles, modern experimental facilities
Recommended literature [as reference material]:
Dynamics of the Standard Model (Donoghue, Golowich, and Holstein)
Neutrons, Nuclei and Matter (Byrne)
Molecular beams (Ramsey)
Principles of Laser Spectroscopy and Quantum Optics (Berman and Malinovsky)
Practical information:
Problem sheets will be assigned periodically throughout the semester, and are due one week after posting. Solutions and supplementary topics will be discussed in the Thursday meeting (usually a tutorial).
Class cancellations: 19.10, 08.11, 09.11, 10.01, 11.01
Exercise sheets
- Sheet 0
- Sheet 1
Practice groups
- Group 1 (Skyler Degenkolb)
Lecture / Exercise
8 participants
INF 227 / SR 2.403, Wed 11:15 - 13:00Thu 11:15 - 13:00
