"In theoretical physics, quantum field theory (QFT) is a theoretical framework combining classical field theory, special relativity, and quantum mechanics."
The study of the behavior of quantum mechanical systems and particles through the use of quantum fields.
Classical mechanics: Understanding the basics of classical mechanics is essential, as it provides the foundation for quantum mechanics and quantum field theory.
Electromagnetism: Electromagnetism is a fundamental force in physics and is central to understanding quantum field theory. Understanding Maxwell's equations is necessary.
Quantum mechanics: Quantum mechanics is the foundation of modern theoretical physics, and it is essential to understand its basic concepts, including wave-particle duality, uncertainty principle, and quantum states.
Special relativity: Special relativity is essential to understanding quantum field theory, as it governs the behavior of particles at high speeds and in strong gravitational fields.
General relativity: General relativity is the framework for understanding gravity, which is an essential force in quantum field theory.
Quantum field theory: Quantum field theory is the unification of quantum mechanics and special relativity. It describes the behavior of quantum fields and their interactions in the creation and annihilation of particles.
Symmetry: Symmetry is a fundamental concept in quantum field theory, and it plays a crucial role in the study of elementary particles and their interactions.
Group theory: Group theory is the mathematical language of symmetry, and it is essential to quantum field theory.
Path integral formulation: The path integral formulation is a mathematical method for calculating the probabilities of particle interactions in quantum field theory.
Feynman diagrams: Feynman diagrams are a graphical representation of particle interactions in quantum field theory, and they are extensively used in calculations.
Renormalization: Renormalization is a mathematical technique used to remove the divergences that arise in quantum field theory calculations.
Gauge theory: Gauge theories are a class of quantum field theories that describe fundamental forces, including electromagnetism, strong interaction, and weak interaction.
Standard model: The standard model is the most widely accepted theory in theoretical physics, as it describes the behavior of elementary particles and their interactions.
Quantum chromodynamics: Quantum chromodynamics is the theory that describes the strong interaction between quarks and gluons, which make up protons and neutrons.
Electroweak theory: Electroweak theory is the unification of electromagnetism and the weak interaction, which is responsible for radioactive decay.
Grand unified theories: Grand unified theories are attempts to unify all fundamental forces into a single theory.
Supersymmetry: Supersymmetry is a proposed symmetry that predicts the existence of a new class of particles that are related to standard model particles.
String theory: String theory is a theoretical framework that posits the existence of an underlying structure of strings that gives rise to particles and forces.
AdS/CFT correspondence: The AdS/CFT correspondence is a proposed equivalence between gravity in anti de Sitter space (AdS) and a conformal field theory (CFT) defined on the boundary of AdS.
Loop quantum gravity: Loop quantum gravity is a framework that attempts to reconcile general relativity and quantum mechanics by quantizing the gravitational field.
Electroweak Theory: This theory explains the unification of the electromagnetic and weak forces in nature.
Quantum Chromodynamics: Describes the strong nuclear force that holds protons and neutrons together in the nucleus.
Quantum Electrodynamics: Explains the behavior of electrically charged particles and their interactions with electromagnetic fields.
Quantum Field Theory: A framework that quantizes classical fields, describing them in terms of particles and their interactions.
String Theory: An attempt at a unified theory of all forces and particles in the universe by postulating the existence of an underlying one-dimensional "string" structure to everything.
Supersymmetry: A theory that proposes a symmetry between particles with integer spin and those with half-integer spin, which may help explain the nature of dark matter.
"QFT is used in particle physics to construct physical models of subatomic particles."
"QFT is used in condensed matter physics to construct models of quasiparticles."
"QFT treats particles as excited states (also called quanta) of their underlying quantum fields."
"Quantum fields, which are more fundamental than the particles."
"The equation of motion of the particle is determined by minimization of the action computed for the Lagrangian."
"The Lagrangian is a functional of fields associated with the particle."
"Interactions between particles are described by interaction terms in the Lagrangian involving their corresponding quantum fields."
"Each interaction can be visually represented by Feynman diagrams."
"According to perturbation theory in quantum mechanics."
"A theoretical framework combining classical field theory, special relativity, and quantum mechanics."
"Quantum fields are more fundamental than the particles."
"The equation of motion of the particle is determined by minimization of the action computed for the Lagrangian."
"Interactions between particles are described by interaction terms in the Lagrangian involving their corresponding quantum fields."
"Each interaction can be visually represented by Feynman diagrams."
"QFT is used in particle physics to construct physical models of subatomic particles."
"QFT is used in condensed matter physics to construct models of quasiparticles."
"Particles are treated as excited states (quanta) of quantum fields."
"The minimization of the action computed for the Lagrangian."
"Interactions between particles manifest as interaction terms in the Lagrangian."