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

'This elementary textbook, suitable for either advanced undergraduate or introductory postgraduate courses, is a gem … will certainly find its way among the most popular particle physics textbooks. Its clear and intuitive presentation will doubtlessly deepen the understanding of students who read it, and inspire lecturers to a more conceptual approach to teaching.' Nikolaos Rompotis, CERN Courier

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]