QFT for Nuclear Physicists: Course Value & Weak Interaction

In summary: But CM is not a subfield of solid-state.In summary, QFT can be very useful for a nuclear physicist, as there are many research areas that use field theories in nuclear physics. It can also be useful for solid state physics, and is considered part of the general toolkit for PhDs. It may not be necessary for a PhD in nuclear spectroscopy or nuclear moments, but is a valuable tool to have. Whether to take a course in QFT now or later is up to the individual, but it can broaden future options. Condensed Matter Physics is a subfield of Solid State Physics, not the other way around.
  • #1
eXorikos
284
5
Is there any value in taking a course in QFT for a nuclear physicist student? I'd like to take a course on QFT just out of interest, but if it's more useful to take an extra course on solid state physics (I'm not sure if I want to do research in nuclear or nuclear solid state physics) I'm doing that instead.

However a knowledge of QFT might enable me to do research on weak interaction in nuclei. Or is a knowledge of QFT not necessary? This is basically the low-energy equivalent of the LHC in that it's looking for the same boundaries of the SM.
 
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  • #2
Yes I think QFT could be very useful to you as a nuclear physicist. There are plenty of research areas in nuclear which use field theories (take a look at chiral field theory, lattice gauge theory, the old school one boson exchange models for instance).

I am a little confused about why you think QFT would not be of use in solid state. There are plenty of examples in which QFT and second quantization is used in solid state physics (superconductivity comes to mind immediately, also quantum hall phenomena).

So, I would think QFT would be very useful to you. But I have no idea about your level of education or your goals, so it is hard to say.
 
  • #3
That wasn't what I was saying. I'm already doing a master in nuclear physics and combining this with a couple of courses from solid state physics. So I would have to drop a course on solid state and take QFT instead.
 
  • #4
You will need a course on field theory if you want a PhD in nuclear physics. Whether you take it now or later is really up to you.
 
  • #5
And what do you mean by field theory? Mean field methods or quantum field theory?

Mean field methods is in a course next semester.
My current knowledge of QFT is limited to intro to elementary particles by Griffiths... So pretty non-existent.

Why would QFT be necessary for a PhD? Why would you need it for example in nuclear spectroscopy or nuclear moments?

Now I think of it, taking QFT makes my options broader for the future, because even if I take it, I will still have a good knowledge of solid state physics as well.
 
  • #6
*bump*
 
  • #7
eXorikos said:
And what do you mean by field theory? Mean field methods or quantum field theory?

Quantum field theory, like the title of the thread. I have never heard "field theory" used to describe mean field theory.

eXorikos said:
Why would QFT be necessary for a PhD? Why would you need it for example in nuclear spectroscopy or nuclear moments?

Reason 1 - because it's part of the general toolkit that all PhD's should be able to use.

Reason 2 - because the PhD-granting institute says it's necessary.

Reason 3 - "but when are we going to use geometry in real life?" is so high school.

Like I said, you're going to end up taking it sooner or later if you want a PhD. It's up to you when.
 
  • #8
Vanadium 50 said:
Reason 1 - because it's part of the general toolkit that all PhD's should be able to use.

Reason 2 - because the PhD-granting institute says it's necessary.

Reason 3 - "but when are we going to use geometry in real life?" is so high school.

Like I said, you're going to end up taking it sooner or later if you want a PhD. It's up to you when.

Reason 2 - In Belgium it isn't so.

Reason 3 - I didn't mean it like that. I was just implying that if solid state courses are more relevant, QFT can wait.

Anyway I'm incorporating it in my plan for next academic year. :)
 
  • #9
Enjoy it!
 
  • #10
QFT, is usually necessary in Theoretical CMS. It's also an amazing tool kit and very interesting.
 
  • #11
What is theoretical CMS?
 
  • #12
It's Condensed Matter Physics, a sub-field of Solid State Physics.
 
  • #13
Kevin_Axion said:
It's Condensed Matter Physics, a sub-field of Solid State Physics.

You have it backwards here. Solid State Physics (the study of bulk solids) is a sub-field of Condensed Matter Physics (the study of condensed phases of matter).
 
  • #15
Kevin_Axion said:
"Historically, condensed matter physics grew out of solid-state physics, now considered one of its main subfields." -Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Condensed_matter_physics
You're right though, wikipedia is wrong.

The wiki article is ambiguous. Solid-state is considered one of CM's main subfields.
 

FAQ: QFT for Nuclear Physicists: Course Value & Weak Interaction

What is QFT and how is it used in nuclear physics?

QFT stands for quantum field theory, which is a theoretical framework used to describe the behavior of particles at the subatomic level. It combines principles from quantum mechanics and special relativity to explain the interactions between particles. In nuclear physics, QFT is used to study the strong and weak interactions between protons, neutrons, and other particles in the atomic nucleus.

What is the value of taking a course on QFT for nuclear physicists?

A course on QFT for nuclear physicists is valuable because it provides a deep understanding of the fundamental principles and mathematical tools used in this field. It also teaches students how to apply QFT to analyze and interpret experimental data, which is crucial in making advancements in nuclear physics research.

What is the weak interaction and how is it related to QFT?

The weak interaction is one of the four fundamental forces of nature, responsible for radioactive decay and nuclear reactions. It is described by QFT through the exchange of particles called W and Z bosons. QFT provides a mathematical framework to calculate the probability of weak interactions and predict their outcomes.

What are some real-world applications of QFT in nuclear physics?

QFT has many practical applications in nuclear physics, including the study of nuclear reactions, nuclear decay, and the behavior of matter at extreme temperatures and densities. It is also used in the development of nuclear technologies, such as nuclear power and medical imaging techniques like PET scans.

Is prior knowledge of quantum mechanics necessary to understand QFT for nuclear physicists?

Yes, a strong understanding of quantum mechanics is essential to fully grasp the concepts and mathematical formalism of QFT. Without a foundation in quantum mechanics, it can be challenging to understand the fundamental principles and calculations involved in QFT for nuclear physicists.

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