QM to QED: How Far Should I Self Study?

  • Thread starter Thread starter maverick_starstrider
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Qed
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the self-study pathway from quantum mechanics (QM) to quantum electrodynamics (QED), exploring the necessary background knowledge and resources for this transition. Participants share their experiences and suggest materials for studying QED, as well as the prerequisites needed for understanding it.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the extent of self-study required to transition from QM to QED after completing a graduate-level course that included the Dirac equation and second quantization.
  • Several participants recommend Richard Feynman's book "QED: The Strange Theory of Light and Matter," although one notes it is a popular science book rather than a textbook.
  • Another participant suggests that if the last course was rigorous and at the graduate level, the next step would typically involve studying quantum field theory (QFT) using texts like Ryder or Peskin & Schroeder.
  • A participant mentions they are currently enrolled in a QFT course that covers QED and have been assured by their professor that they possess the necessary background knowledge.
  • There is a question about whether additional reformulations or techniques, such as path integrals, are needed to fully grasp QED beyond second quantization and the quantization of the electric field.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the sufficiency of Feynman's book for serious study, with some agreeing it is not a textbook while others suggest it as a starting point. There is no consensus on the specific additional steps or materials needed to transition from QFT to QED.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the potential limitations of popular science books for rigorous study and the varying definitions of what constitutes adequate preparation for QED.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in self-studying quantum mechanics and quantum electrodynamics, particularly those transitioning from graduate-level courses to more advanced topics in theoretical physics.

maverick_starstrider
Messages
1,118
Reaction score
7
Just out of curiosity, the last course I took (and the last one I'm probably ever going to take along that path) in QM ended with dirac equation, second quantization and the quantizing of the electric field. How far do I have to go (if I wanted to self study) to get to QED?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Get the book : QED-The Strange Theory of Light and Matter by Feynman. It is very to understand but very concise.
 
jweygna1 said:
Get the book : QED-The Strange Theory of Light and Matter by Feynman. It is very to understand but very concise.

Uh, feynman's QED is a popular science book not a textbook.
 
If your class was at the graduate level and rigorous, I would say not far. Pick up Ryder or Peskin & Schroeder or Aitchison & Hey or any introductory QFT book. The next step after graduate level QM is typically QFT (if you are interested in that path).
 
The last course I took was the second semester of graduate quantum, which had exactly the same stuff that you mentioned. This fall I'm taking QFT, which covers QED. I asked the professor, and he said that I had everything I needed to take QFT. So I guess we're both good to go.
 
maverick_starstrider said:
Uh, feynman's QED is a popular science book not a textbook.
What

I don't know string theory after reading Brian Greene

In all seriousness

I always thought

QM->QFT(and QED)->?
 
j93 said:
What

I don't know string theory after reading Brian Greene

In all seriousness

I always thought

QM->QFT(and QED)->?

Yes, but I'm inquiring as to what additional tweaks take a quantum theory that is second quantized and has quantized the electric field to "QED". Is there additional reformulation? Do I have to work in path integrals, etc.
 

Similar threads

Self-Study QFT: Prerequisites for Feynman Diagrams, QED & More
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Studying How far can I get if I stick to self studying physics?
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
7K
How far am I from understanding this thread: "Is QED nonrelativistic?"
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Studying How to self-study physics past High School Level?
  • · Replies 102 ·
4
Replies
102
Views
9K
Courses The right Curriculum for a Physics Master's Degree (Quantum Optics & Info)?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Studying What Are the Best Steps for Self-Teaching Theoretical Physics?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
5K
Studying How to learn QFT on curved spacetimes by myself?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Studying Chemistry or physics - which one is more suitable for self-studying?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
Is this a good self-study program?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
Studying Looking for a thread discussing ideal math classes for physics major
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K