I went to college a long time ago. Since then the LHC verified the higgs boson. The higgs field and the higgs bubbles that separated quarks from antiquarks is something I’ve been looking at.
However I never took quantum mechanics and have little understanding of quantum fields. I would like to rectify that problem.
Can someone with knowledge give me a push in the right direction… What books to start with, are there online lectures?
Thank you
PBS SpaceTime has a lot of good videos that slowly broach the subject
https://youtube.com/@pbsspacetime?
Viascience series have a little more of the math
Videos on Quantum Dynamics https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL193BC0532FE7B02C
Videos on Quantum Field Theory https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsp_BbZBIk_6_5pi9tHHmoVJzjqpfBkgJ
Thank you
I also vote for PBS Space Time
For a popular level explanation, try Feynman’s “QED” lecture series,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QED:_The_Strange_Theory_of_Light_and_Matter
A more technical understanding is a lot more work and I never got anywhere near this level, the “theoretical minimum”:
https://theoreticalminimum.com/
Actually for the stuff you are asking about, the theoretical minumum isn’t really enough, but it’s a start. Here’s some more:
Thank you.
According to “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”, the exact procedure to learn quantum field theory :
“it would be much easier to get on a Vogon ship”don’t forget to bring your towel!
I’d really recommend going through the basics about learning QM. Specifically: classical mechanics, a very good stats & probability math course, calc prereqs, intro to QM, intro to thermal/stat physics, maybe an atomic course, intro chem course. I’m not sure of the exact steps, but as a physics undergrad major, it’ll “click” after a certain amount of prereqs and if you need any help, feel free to PM me and I’ll gladly be of assistance (as far as I can remember, at least).
It’s also really important to remember that QM is really a formalized algebra of probability/stats, so it’s really really important to get a good grasp of that. QFT and all that comes after understanding the basics. It’s a fuck ton of work, but I think it’s rewarding.
Thanks. I have a good understanding of calculus and physics. I did take statistics like 30 years ago so probably very fuzzy now. Any specialities to focus on before I get started in QM?
Nah, just the basics is fine. I would recommend Griffith’s and then moving on to Shankar.
Read Sean Carroll’s new Biggest Ideas pt 2 book
The book “Quantum field theory for the gifted amateur” is really good. It’s helped me understand quantum fields a lot better, and I work with quantum mechanics every day.
I’ve really been enjoying the podcast series Crash Course : The Universe. It’s helped me to understand what quantum fields are a little better. It’s probably not going inti much depth, but I love the way John Green hosts it, and I’m having a blast!
I’ll need to check that out, I absolutely loved the Crash Course World History he did. Thanks for the heads up!
I gotchu
