Physics 221A
Fall 2023
Introduction to Particle Physics and Instrumentation I
University of California at Santa Cruz
Tu-Th 9:50 - 11:25 am
Instructor: Bruce Schumm
Office: 329 Natural Sciences II
Phone: (831) 459-3034
Email: baschumm@ucsc.edu
 
Office Hours:
By Appointment
 
Field theory is not required for this first quarter of topical particle physics. We'll discuss continuous and discreet symmetries, and their implications in constraining physical processes. We'll go on to talk about the static quark model, necessitating the introduction of Lie groups. After that, it's on to the interactions between high-energy radiation and matter, which leads naturally to a discussion of nuclear detection techniques and associated instrumentation. After that it's on to gamma-ray astrophysics, and finally an introduction to the basics of hadronic scattering, time permitting. Registered students can look forward to three written homework assignments and a computer project.

Syllabus

Link to reference material

List of conserved quantites by force

Lecture 1 Part 1 Notes

Lecture 1 Part 2 Notes

Continuous and Discrete Symmetries Part I

Continuous and Discrete Symmetries Part II

SU(2) wavefunction subtelty

Quark Model Part I

Quark Model Part II

Quark Model Part III

Radiation and Detectors I

Radiation and Detectors II

Radiation and Detectors III

Radiation and Detectors IV

Astrophysical Gamma Ray Detection

Homework I

Homework I Solutions

Homework II

Homework II Solutions

Homework III

Homework III Solutions

Shower Monte Carlo Project