Path Integrals

Spring 2011

An introduction, aiming at presenting the path integral quantization as alternative to quantization via the canonical operator formalism. Content of the course: Wiener path integral for Brownian particle motion or diffusion equation: path integral description of stochastic processes. Formulation of Quantum Mechanics using Feynman path integrals; transition to the description of Quantum Field Theory via path integral. WKB approximation and general methods for the evaluation of path integrals. Systems with constraints and path integrals with Grassmann variables for fermion fields. The course provides, in a deductive way, the audience with necessary ingredients concerning the use of path integrals in diverse areas of physics and, in particular, for the quantization of non-Abelian gauge field theories (which are constrained systems), an example of which is the Standard Model of Electroweak and Strong Interactions of elementary particles.

Lecturer:	Anca Tureanu Physicum, 3rd floor, room B322 Tel: 09-191 50688 E-mail: Anca.Tureanu@helsinki.fi
Assistant:	Tapio Salminen Physicum, 2nd floor, room A222 Tel: 09-191 51196 E-mail: Tapio.Salminen@helsinki.fi
Lectures:	Tue 16-18, Wed 16-18, A315. First lecture on Tuesday, Jan 18th.
Exercises:	Mondays, 14:15-16:00 in D116
Exam:	May 9th, 12:00, D116