PHYS-EV0001 - Quantum field theory in condensed matter physics, Lecture, 9.1.2023-6.4.2023
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Week 5 prelecture assignment
Previous week we covered the basics of the scattering problem but now it is time to move towards the second quantization and actual field theory. In week 5, we will start with the scattering of a photon from an electron, which in the lowest level of approximation corresponds to an absorption and emission (or emission and absorption) process. In particular we will consider Rayleigh and Thomson scattering, both in classical field theory and quantum field theory.
Please watch the following PBS Space Time youtube video regarding electron-electron scattering in quantum field theory:
Electon-electron scattering in condensed matter physics is usually treated with simple potential scattering, in the way we did last week, instead of an electron exchange process. Ultimately this is up to the choice of the gauge: in particle physics the gauge of choice is usually the Lorentz gauge, in which even the static electric field involves virtual photons. In contrast, in condensed matter physics we usually employ the Coulomb gauge, in which the photon picture is limited to the radiating (transverse) field.
The question for today's prelecture assignment is a familiar one: why the sky is blue? Any questions or comments regarding the video above?