Physics 450
Introduction to Subatomic Physics
Spring 2005
Content and Plan for the Semester
We plan to cover some introductory topics in Nuclear Physics (until spring break) and Particle Physics (after spring break). Given the limited time, obviously only very few carefully selected topics from these vast subfields can and will be covered.
Some potential topics for the Nuclear Physics half:
- Fundamental Particles & Interactions (just to set the overall scale, more on these in the 2nd half)
- Nuclear Binding & Stability (including radioactive decays, fission, fusion)
- Deuteron & Nucleon-Nucleon Force
- Nuclear Models (time permitting)
- Hypernuclei (time permitting)
- Neutron Stars & Strange Quark Matter (time permitting)
- Nucleosynthesis & other topics from the interface between Nuclear Physics and Astrophysics/Cosmology (two guest lectures by Prof. Dinesh Loomba)
- Relativistic Heavy Ion Physics (two guest lectures by Prof. Jan Rak)
Throughout the course we will elucidate interesting connections between Subatomic Physics and Cosmology/Astrophysics. No significant prior exposure to Subatomic Physics will be assumed. Familiarity with undergraduate Quantum Mechanics and Special Relativity will be assumed, however. We will try to discuss physical concepts with a minimum of formalism.
Textbook: Particles and Nuclei, 4th edition, B. Povh et al., Springer, 2004. Other material will be provided and/or posted.
Homework, exams, etc.: There will be some homework, but not necessarily on a weekly basis; midterm and final exam or possibly term paper(s)—details to be discussed.