Concepts of Elementary Particle Physics

by Michael E. Peskin

Overview

The purpose of this textbook is to explain the Standard Model of particle physics to a student with an undergraduate preparation in physics. Today we can claim to have a fundamental picture of the strong and weak subnuclear forces. Through an interplay between theory and experiment, we have learned the basic equations through which these forces operate, and we have tested these equations against observations at particle accelerators. The story is beautiful and full of surprises. Using a simplified presentation that does not assume prior knowledge of quantum field theory, this book begins from basic concepts of special relativity and quantum mechanics, describes the key experiments that have clarified the structure of elementary particle interactions, introduces the crucial theoretical concepts, and builds up to the full description of elementary particle interactions as we know them today.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780198812197
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	11/10/2019
Series:	Oxford Master Series in Physics
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	400
Product dimensions:	7.40(w) x 9.60(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Michael E. Peskin, Professor of Particle Physics and Astrophysics, SLAC, Stanford University

Michael E. Peskin received his Ph.D. in Physics from Cornell University in 1978. He held postdoctoral appointments at Harvard, Cornell, and C.E.N. Saclay. In 1982, he joined the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, where he is now a Professor of Particle Physics and Astrophysics.

Table of Contents

I Preliminaries and Tools1. Introduction2. Symmetries of Space-Time3. Relativistic Wave Equations4. The Hydrogen Atom and Positronium5. The Quark Model6. Detectors of Elementary Particles7. Tools for CalculationII The Strong Interaction8. Electron-Positron Annihilation9. Deep Inelastic Electron Scattering10. The Gluon11. Quantum Chromodynamics12. Partons and Jets13. QCD at Hadron Colliders14. Chiral SymmetryIII The Weak Interaction15. The Current-Current Model of the Weak Interaction16. Gauge Theories with Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking17. The W and Z Bosons18. Quark Mixing Angles and Weak Decays19. CP Violation20. Neutrino Masses and Mixings21. The Higgs Boson22. Epilogue

Editorial Reviews

"I field tested this new textbook in a senior-level course that introduces advanced undergraduates to elementary particle physics before they have had the formal training in quantum field theory that is usually needed to rigorously present many aspects of the Standard Model. I say usually, because in his new book, Professor Peskin adeptly manages to avoid this prerequisite, in a comprehensive, modern, and unique exposition that is a welcome addition to teachers of the subject at this level." — Christopher S. Hil, Department of Physics, Ohio State University

"Peskin's book provides a perspective on the Standard Model of particle physics driven by observations. He presents just enough mathematical sophistication to connect the theoretical frameworks with their experimental consequences, allowing the reader to focus on the concepts. By recounting essentially every major particle physics discovery - often showcasing the original presentation of the data - he makes a compelling case for why we believe the laws of nature follow the rules of the Standard Model." — Timothy Cohen, Department of Physics, University of Oregon

"Prof. Peskin's Concepts of Elementary Particle Physics provides a concise and up-to-date mixture of theory and experiment that is much appreciated for books at the undergraduate level. In this book, the reader is led to discover the fundamental constituents of matter, from the Standard Model to what may lie beyond. This is done in an accessible way, as the book builds from the foundations up and provides chapter-by-chapter exercises to strengthen the understanding of the concepts and references to go more in detail." — Caterina Doglioni, Department of Physics, Lund University

"A comprehensive, coherent, and thoroughly digestible presentation of the ideas that lie at the heart of modern-day particle physics. This book would be a welcome resource for any University physics student wishing to gain their first insights into the field." — Bruce Schumm, Physics Department, University of California, Santa Cruz

"This is a well written and much needed book that exposes undergraduates to the deep ideas, structure and principles of quantum field theory. It is a solid stepping stone for graduate work on the topic." — Surjeet Rajendran, Department of Physics, University of California, Berkeley

From the Publisher