Books for Learning QCD & Above in Particle Physics

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on recommended books for advancing knowledge in Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) and higher particle physics. Participants suggest "Gauge Theories in Particle Physics" by Aitchison and Hey, which is divided into two volumes, as a suitable resource that balances theoretical and experimental perspectives. Additionally, "Bailin & Love" is recommended for its path-integral formulation approach. The user expresses a need for books that provide insights into higher QCD without starting from the basics, emphasizing the importance of including significant experiments in the learning material.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of Quantum Electrodynamics (QED)
  • Familiarity with Feynman rules and Yang-Mills theories
  • Knowledge of quantization of scalar, fermion, and gauge fields
  • Introductory concepts of Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD)
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "Gauge Theories in Particle Physics A Practical Introduction Volume 2 Non-Abelian Gauge Theories QCD and The Electroweak Theory" by Aitchison and Hey
  • Explore "Bailin & Love" for insights into path-integral formulation in quantum field theory
  • Investigate additional resources that balance theoretical and experimental aspects of particle physics
  • Look for literature that discusses significant experiments in particle physics related to QCD
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in particle physics, particularly those seeking to deepen their understanding of Quantum Chromodynamics and its experimental implications.

Wrichik Basu
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I was studying Particle Physics by Palash B. Pal. It is a good book, but after some chapters, I felt it is becoming incomprehensible, and I need some other book(s) to learn from a different perspective. I believe this a very common thing with students, and everyone knows that no single book is complete.

I have some good basic knowledge up to QED. This includes quantization of scalar, fermion and gauge fields, Feynman rules, Yang-Mills theories and calculating cross-sections and decay rates (perhaps a bit shaky on the last one). I also know some bits of QCD, viz. the SU(3) of colour and some other trivial concepts.

I want a book that can give me insight into higher QCD. I am a bit bent towards experimental particle physics, so it would be great if the book also mentions some of the important experiments. The book doesn't have to start from scratch, i.e. it can start directly from QCD, and then delve into higher topics.

Before you advise me to search Google, I must say that I already did that. Among other results, it included this PF thread, which mentions two books, viz. T. Muta and F. J. Yndurain (see the answer by vanhees71). Any other good books that can be mentioned?

Please note that I do not want a book specializing in experimental particle physics, because those books often tend to avoid important discussions, while a book with only rigorous derivations of formulae is also not something I want. It would be best if the book is a balance between theoretical and experimental branches.

By the way, I already checked out Schwartz, but to be honest, I didn't like it much. Maybe later I will learn to appreciate it, but for now, it would be very helpful if any other book is suggested.

Special mention to @Orodruin, @Vanadium 50 and @vanhees71, because I learned that you guys are from theoretical particle physics. Of course, everyone is invited to put in their suggestions, and also why they like the book they are suggesting.
 
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Wrichik Basu said:
I want a book that can give me insight into higher QCD. I am a bit bent towards experimental particle physics, so it would be great if the book also mentions some of the important experiments. The book doesn't have to start from scratch, i.e. it can start directly from QCD, and then delve into higher topics.
If you want to start from QCD, you might want to look at the pedagogical "Gauge Theories in Particle Physics A Practical Introduction Volume 2 Non-Abelian Gauge Theories QCD and The Electroweak Theory" by Aitchison and Hey, but you might also want to look at "Gauge Theories in Particle Physics A Practical Introduction Volume 1 From Relativistic Quantum Mechanics ro QED".
 
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Aitchison and Hey is pretty good. When I learned about QFT first, I also appreciated Bailin&Love very much. It's using the path-integral formulation from the very beginning.
 
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