Relativistic Kinematics - Relativistinen Kinematiikka
A 5 ECTS credit (3 study week) course autumn 2005
General Information
In Helsinki:
Lectures: Tuesdays 14.15-16.00
Physicum, room D116
Weeks 36-50 (except 43)
Exercise session: Thursdays 9.15-10.00
Physicum, room D116
Starting week 38
Lecturer Kenneth Österberg
Physicum, 3rd floor, room B323, reception Thursdays 10-12
E-mail: kenneth.osterberg@helsinki.fi
Discussion sessions at CERN arranged if necessary
Course Literature
- Lecture notes (pdf) - main source since no really good text book exists.
- Some useful backup material:
Particle Data Group reviews on kinematics & cross sections
- Useful but rather condensed summaries available on the web. Always upto date. Written by J.D. Jackson & R.N. Cahn.
Lectures on relativistic kinematics at St. Petersburg State University
- Helpful writeup of W. von Schlippe's lectures. Modern.
E. Byckling & K. Kajantie: Particle kinematics (John Wiley & Sons 1973)
- A rather theoretical & outdated introduction to relativistic kinematics. Useful as side reading & for solving exercises.
R. Hagedorn: Particle kinematics (W.A. Benjamin 1964)
- Previously a classical but nowdays an outdated introduction to relativistic kinematics. Nomenclatur & examples far away from todays.
Course content
- Special relativity: Lorentz transformations and invariants.
- Phase space: phase space integrals, total and differential cross sections.
- Two-particle final states: two-particle decay and scattering, Mandelstam variables.
- Three-particle final states: three-particle decay and scattering, Dalitz plots.
- Inclusive reactions and multiparticle production.
- Monte Carlo methods.
- Monte Carlo event generators.
Course grading
Exercises (~8-9 papers) weigths 30 %, Exam at then end of the course weights 70 %.
Exercises
In Helsinki: Exercises given on Thursdays to be returned following Wednesday to the box at Physicums 2nd floor or by e-mail to kenneth.osterberg@helsinki.fi
At CERN: Exercises posted here on Thursdays to be returned following Wednesday to Marika or by e-mail to kenneth.osterberg@helsinki.fi
Exercise papers available here (pdf) or from the box at Physicums 2nd floor.
Model answers to exercise papers available here (pdf) or from the folder at Physicums 2nd floor.
Other News
First lecture on 6.9 !
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Send any comments or questions about this page to kenneth.osterberg@helsinki.fi