Particle Physics: Recommended Reading After Griffiths' Intro

[eXorikos]

I've recently finished a course using Griffiths' Intro to Elementary Particles. I'm interested in the subject, but what would you recommend for reading after that? I'm not planning to pursue particle physics or theoretical physics. I've considered Quantum Field Theory in a Nutshell by Zee. I don't want any rigorous treatment of QFT. Other ideas are maybe a text on experimental techniques or results or expectations of experiments.

 

[Landau]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0521621968/?tag=pfamazon01-20 is a standard text, with more emphasis on the experimental side.

 

[eXorikos]

The reviews on Amazon are disturbingly bad. Are they exaggerating?

 

[Landau]

I think they are exaggerating, and it depends on what you are expecting. It seems like many reviewers were required to buy this text for a theoretical course and it turned out to be not so useful. The review by "Eugene" is spot-on:

Overall, this book does not fit its title well - it is not a good introduction to high energy physics ( unless you are so totally averse to math that you can't manage Griffiths or Peskin/Shroeder ). However, it has its own purpose - that is, to teach experimental methods in high energy physics. It probably should be studied after Griffiths by those who are interested in experimental side of particle physics.

But I have to admit I haven't thoroughly read the book myself, perhaps you should take a look with Google's preview.

 

[rezeew]

First of all, congratulations on completing Griffiths' Intro to Elementary Particles! It's a great introductory text to the subject. As you mentioned, Quantum Field Theory in a Nutshell by Zee is a good choice for a more advanced understanding of the subject without a rigorous treatment. Another book that I would recommend is An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory by Peskin and Schroeder. It provides a more detailed and rigorous treatment of QFT, but also includes many examples and applications that make it accessible for non-experts.

If you are interested in experimental techniques and results, I would suggest Particle Physics: A Very Short Introduction by Frank Close. It provides a comprehensive overview of experimental techniques used in particle physics and discusses the results and implications of these experiments. Another great option is Modern Particle Physics by Mark Thomson, which covers both theoretical and experimental aspects of the field.

Lastly, if you are interested in the current state and future direction of particle physics, I would recommend The Particle at the End of the Universe by Sean Carroll. It discusses the discovery of the Higgs boson and its implications for our understanding of the universe, as well as the ongoing search for new particles and phenomena.

Overall, there are many great resources available for further reading in particle physics. It's important to find a book that aligns with your interests and level of understanding. I hope these recommendations help guide you in your continued exploration of this fascinating field.