Class(es): BS 7th, MSc 3rd

Course Code(s): PHYS-416, PHYS-6137

Credit Hours: 3

Introduction:

Particle Physics describes essential research in High Energy Physics. We derive the Standard Model (SM) first using a bottom-up method based on Unitarity, in addition to the usual top-down method using SU3xSU2xU1. We describe and analyze several classical experiments, which established the SM, as examples on how to design experiments. Further topics include heavy flavor physics, high-precision tests of the Standard Model, neutrino oscillations, searches for new phenomena (compositeness, supersymmetry, technical color, and GUTs), and discussion of expectations from future accelerators (B factory, LHC, large electron-positron linear colliders, etc). The term paper requires the students to have constant discussions with the instructor throughout the semester on theories, physics, measurables, signatures, detectors, resolution, background identification and elimination, signal to noise, and statistical analysis.

Particle Physics plays an important role in the following fields:

• Medicine:
  Particle accelerators and detectors first developed for particle physics are now used by every major medical center in the nation to treat and diagnose millions of patients.

• Homeland Security:
  From scanning cargo in ports to monitoring nuclear waste, the same advanced detector technology that physicists use to analyze particles also better protects the nation.

• Industry:
  Particle physicists rely on industry to produce and advance the millions of components that experiments require, putting companies on a fast-track towards new products and life-changing technologies.

• Computing:
  To record and analyze the unprecedented volumes of data generated in particle collisions, particle physicists develop cutting-edge computing technology, making key contributions to solutions in computer science.

• Sciences:
  Particle physicists need cutting-edge tools; many of these benefits other areas of science.

• Workforce Development:
  The majority of students who gain their PhDs in particle physics go on to work for high-tech industry, financial institutions and information technology businesses.

Course Outline:

Particle Classification, Quantum numbers, leptons, hadrons, baryons, mesons, quarks, The Fundamental Interactions, The electromagnetic coupling, the strong coupling, the weak coupling, Symmetry Transformation and Conservation Laws, Translation in space, rotation in space, the group SU (2), systems of identical particles, parity, iso-spin charge conjugation, time reversal, G parity, CPT theorem, The Electromagnetic Field, Gauge invariance and Maxwell’s equations, polarization ad photon spin, angular momentum, parity and C parity of photon, Hadron Spectroscopy, Formation experiment, partial wave formalism and the optical theorem, the Breit-Wigner resonance formula, baryon resonances, phase space considerations, production experiments, The Quark Model, The group SU (3), quarks, hadrons baryons, mesons in quark model, heave meson spectroscopy, the quarkonium model, The Standard Model (qualitative treatment only), Unification of weak and electromagnetic interactions Glashow-Salam-Weinberg Model.

Recommended Books:

• Relativistic Quantum Mechanics, by Bjorken, J. D. and Drell, S.D., McGraw Hill, (1995).

• Quarks and Leptons, by Halzen, F. and Martin, A.D., John-Wiley and Sons. (1984).

• Quantum Mechanics, by Riazuddin and Fayyazuddin, World Scientific, (1990).

• Introduction to Elementary Particles, by Griffiths, D., John-Wiley and Sons, (1987).

Assessment Criteria:

Sessional:                    20 marks (Assignment, quiz, etc)

Mid Term exam:           30 marks

Final exam:                  50 marks

Time of class:

BS 7th (R)      =>       Monday (09:00 - 10:00), Tuesday (09:00 - 10:00), Wednesday (09:00 - 10:00)

BS 7th (SS)    =>       Monday (13:00 - 14:00), Wednesday (15:00 - 16:00), Thursday (15:00 - 16:00)

MSc 3rd         =>       Tuesday (14:00 - 15:00), Wednesday (14:00 - 15:00), Friday (15:00 - 16:00)