Elementary Particle Physics
An Intuitive Introduction

Introduces the fundamentals of particle physics with a focus on modern developments and an intuitive physical interpretation of results.

Andrew J. Larkoski (Author)

9781108496988, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 23 May 2019

506 pages, 92 b/w illus. 7 tables 127 exercises
25.4 x 19.3 x 2.7 cm, 1.23 kg

'I think this book provides an excellent complementary view with respect to other more standard reference texts. In particular, I appreciate the way in which the author uses analogies to introduce complex topics such as wave equations and Feynman diagrams. The content is very updated, with enlighting and highly original exercises and examples. I will definititely suggest the book as one of the three fundamental books for my course.' Maximiliano Sioli, University of Bologna

This modern introduction to particle physics equips students with the skills needed to develop a deep and intuitive understanding of the physical theory underpinning contemporary experimental results. The fundamental tools of particle physics are introduced and accompanied by historical profiles charting the development of the field. Theory and experiment are closely linked, with descriptions of experimental techniques used at CERN accompanied by detail on the physics of the Large Hadron Collider and the strong and weak forces that dominate proton collisions. Recent experimental results are featured, including the discovery of the Higgs boson. Equations are supported by physical interpretations, and end-of-chapter problems are based on datasets from a range of particle physics experiments including dark matter, neutrino, and collider experiments. A solutions manual for instructors is available online. Additional features include worked examples throughout, a detailed glossary of key terms, appendices covering essential background material, and extensive references and further reading to aid self-study, making this an invaluable resource for advanced undergraduates in physics.

1. Introduction
2. Special relativity
3. A little group theory
4. Fermi's golden rule and Feynman diagrams
5. Particle collider experiment
6. Quantum electrodynamics in e+e- collisions
7. Quarks and gluons
8. Quantum chromodynamics
9. Parton evolution and jets
10. Parity violation
11. The mass scales of the weak force
12. Consequences of weak interactions
13. The Higgs boson
14. Particle physics at the frontier
Appendix A. Useful identities
Appendix B. Review of quantum mechanics
Appendix C. Particle physics jargon glossary
Appendix D. Bibliography.

Subject Areas: Relativity physics [PHR], Quantum physics [quantum mechanics & quantum field theory PHQ], Particle & high-energy physics [PHP], Physics [PH]