In theoretical physics, quantum field theory (QFT) is a theoretical framework that combines classical field theory, special relativity, and quantum mechanics.: xi QFT is used in particle physics to construct physical models of subatomic particles and in condensed matter physics to construct models of quasiparticles. The current standard model of particle physics is based on quantum field theory.
This is something that's bugged me for a long time and since I don't have any particular expertise in the subject, maybe I'm missing something obvious. But here goes.
I was taught that the term particle in QM is synonymous with quanta. That is, that a particle is the lowest excitation level of a...