After successful completion of the course, students are able to...

• derive the Klein-Gordon equation and the Dirac equation from the Schrödinger equation,
• solve expressions with Dirac matrices,
• apply general Lorentz transformations to spinors,
• provide solutions to the Dirac equation,
• explain the Klein paradox,
• explain the interaction with the electromagnetic field,
• summarize the derivation of the Pauli equation,
• describe the Foldy-Wouthuysen transformation,
• sketch the derivation of the energy levels of the hydrogen atom,
• list the fine structure as well as other corrections,
• describe the quantization of free fields (scalar field, Dirac field, electromagnetic field),
• explain the Gupta Bleuler formalism,
• describe the Casimir effect,
• summarize fundamental aspects of perturbation theory (interaction picture, S-matrix, LSZ reduction formula, Wick theorem),
• explain and draw Feynman diagrams,
• list the Feynman rules and apply them to diagrams,
• estimate the divergences of radiative corrections (self-energy of the electron, vacuum polarization),
• enumerate possibilities of regularization,
• summarize the dimensional regularization,
• present renormalization schemes,
• describe the anomalous magnetic moment of the electron,
• describe the Lamb shift,
• sketch the infrared problem and the Bloch-Nordsieck mechanism.

Dirac equation; interaction with electromagnetic fields; Lorentz transformations; H-atom, fine structure; quantization of free fields; Gupta-Bleuler quantization; perturbation theory; Feynman rules; radiative corrections; dimensional regularization; renormalization; anomalous magnetic moment of the electron; Lamb shift; infrared problems and Bloch-Nordsieck mechanism; renormalization group

Blackboard presentation based on the lecture notes by Prof. Rebhan.

Voluntary exercises should help to apply the content of the lectures.

The lecture is held in English.

Organisational meeting and start March 4, 2024, 11:15, SemR DB10 yellow tower.

Written exam at the end of the term or oral exam by appointment.

Registration takes place in TISS. (Registration is without commitment, and does not result in an automatic issuing of a certificate.)

Lecture notes for this course are available from the lecturer:

• A. Rebhan: Introduction to Quantum Electrodynamics: PDF
  (Available in spiral binding from the lecturer for 5 €)

Further literature:

• Bjorken/Drell: Relativistic quantum mechanics
• Itzykson/Zuber: Quantum Field Theory

Bachelor courses in electrodynamics and quantum theory.