Elementary Particle Physics: An Intuitive Introduction

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.

Table of Contents:
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.

About the Author :
Andrew J. Larkoski is a Visiting Assistant Professor at Reed College, Oregon. He earned his Ph.D. from Stanford University working at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and has held postdoctoral research appointments at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University. Andrew is a leading expert on the theory of quantum chromodynamics (QCD) and has won the LHC Theory Initiative Fellowship and the Wu-Ki Tung Award for Early-Career Research on QCD.

Review :
'Larkoski's Elementary Particle Physics has a unique blend of purely theoretical calculations and experimental analyses that are both accessible to undergraduates. The history of the field is not forgotten but instead blended throughout the text to allow for 'breaks' for the reader from the often (and unavoidably) complex subject matter. Given the highly changing field, using the very recent results will be beneficial to the students of the subject.' Christopher A. Aubin, Fordham University, New York 'This is a much-needed textbook for an advanced physics major course with a modern yet accessible introduction to and explanation of the guiding principles of particle physics and current experimental methods.' Ann Nelson, University of Washington 'In Elementary Particle Physics, Larkoski has succeeded at creating a welcome and spectacular modern learning resource that takes a practical approach to the essential experimental and theoretical tools of the field while capturing the excitement and essence of its most relevant discoveries.' Andreas Warburton, McGill University, Montreal 'Larkoski's book will interest a large audience because it starts from basic principles and covers a wide range of topics all the way to discussions on research at the frontiers of particle physics. The book will be very useful to students and researchers working in phenomenological particle physics.' Alakabha Datta, University of Mississippi '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 'I think this book provides an excellent complementary view with respect to other more standard reference texts. In particular, I appreciate the way in which the author uses analogies to introduce complex topics such as wave equations and Feynman diagrams. The content is very updated, with enlighting and highly original exercises and examples. I will definititely suggest the book as one of the three fundamental books for my course.' Maximiliano Sioli, University of Bologna