QM to QED: How Far Should I Self Study?

  • Thread starter Thread starter maverick_starstrider
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Qed
AI Thread Summary
To progress from graduate-level quantum mechanics (QM) to quantum electrodynamics (QED), a solid understanding of quantum field theory (QFT) is essential. Recommended resources include introductory QFT textbooks such as Ryder, Peskin & Schroeder, or Aitchison & Hey, which provide the necessary rigor beyond popular science books like Feynman's "QED: The Strange Theory of Light and Matter." The transition involves not only mastering second quantization and the quantization of the electric field but also potentially engaging with path integrals and other reformulations. The discussion highlights that those with a strong foundation in graduate-level QM are well-prepared to delve into QFT, which encompasses QED.
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
Views
2K
Studying How far can I get if I stick to self studying physics?
Replies
22
Views
6K
How far am I from understanding this thread: "Is QED nonrelativistic?"
Replies
2
Views
1K
Studying How to self-study physics past High School Level?
3
Replies
102
Views
5K
Courses The right Curriculum for a Physics Master's Degree (Quantum Optics & Info)?
Replies
10
Views
2K
Studying What Are the Best Steps for Self-Teaching Theoretical Physics?
Replies
14
Views
2K
Studying How to learn QFT on curved spacetimes by myself?
Replies
1
Views
2K
Studying Chemistry or physics - which one is more suitable for self-studying?
Replies
14
Views
3K
Is this a good self-study program?
Replies
16
Views
2K
Studying Looking for a thread discussing ideal math classes for physics major
Replies
1
Views
761

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top