The Standard Model and Beyond

This new edition of The Standard Model and Beyond presents an advanced introduction to the physics and formalism of the standard model and other non-abelian gauge theories. It provides a solid background for understanding supersymmetry, string theory, extra dimensions, dynamical symmetry breaking, and cosmology. In addition to updating all of the experimental and phenomenological results from the first edition, it contains a new chapter on collider physics; expanded discussions of Higgs, neutrino, and dark matter physics; and many new problems.

The book first reviews calculational techniques in field theory and the status of quantum electrodynamics. It then focuses on global and local symmetries and the construction of non-abelian gauge theories. The structure and tests of quantum chromodynamics, collider physics, the electroweak interactions and theory, and the physics of neutrino mass and mixing are thoroughly explored. The final chapter discusses the motivations for extending the standard model and examines supersymmetry, extended gauge groups, and grand unification.

Thoroughly covering gauge field theories, symmetries, and topics beyond the standard model, this text equips readers with the tools to understand the structure and phenomenological consequences of the standard model, to construct extensions, and to perform calculations at tree level. It establishes the necessary background for readers to carry out more advanced research in particle physics.

Supplementary materials are provided on the author’s website and a solutions manual is available for qualifying instructors.

Paul Langacker is an Emeritus Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Pennsylvania. He is currently a Senior Scientist at Princeton University and a long-term visitor at the Institute for Advanced Study. His research has emphasized the connections between fundamental theory and experiment, and has included work in precision electroweak physics, grand unification, neutrino physics, Z’ physics, and string phenomenology.