Introduction to Quantum Electrodynamics

PHYS6004 (Advanced Quantum Field Theory)

Extremely brief overview to QED. First, covers a recap of Dirac theory. Then states quantisation of Dirac and photon fields (without proof). Feynman rules are motivated and stated (not derived) - we will see the derivation in the later parts of the course. Finally, a semi-relativistic treatment of the Lamb shift is given (following paper of Bethe), which shows an example of infinities in the theory and how to deal with them (renormalisation)

Lecture Notes

  • Relativistic Quantum Mechanics
    • Contains: quick overview of Dirac theory
    • QED overview, summary of Feynman rules
    • Semi-relativistic treatment of Lamb shift, renormalisation

Texts

  • Peskin & Schroeder, An Introduction To Quantum Field Theory
    • Main book for the course, available as pdf from library
  • Sakurai, Advanced Quantum Mechanics
    • A little dated, but very nice. Available from library