NFYK14014U Introduction to String Theory
This course gives a basic introduction to string theory. The first part of the course is an introduction to classical string theory and quantized bosonic string theory. The second part of the course is an introduction to conformal invariance, superstring theory and strings in background fields, as well as to related topics.
Knowledge
The course will begin with an introduction to the action
description of classical relativistic strings, including discussion
of symmetries, constraints and action principle. The course then
turns to quantized bosonic string theory, with closed and open
strings, lightcone quantization, covariant quantization, anomalies
versus symmetries in quantized theories, the critical space-time
dimension and definition of D-branes. Furthermore, the course will
cover conformal symmetry of string theory and it is implemented for
the covariant quantization of the bosonic string. Finally, it will
cover the more advanced topics of superstrings and strings in
background fields.
Skills
At the end of the course, the student is expected to:
- Be able to write down and use the Nambu-Goto and Polyakov actions for classical relativistic strings.
- Be able to quantize the open and closed bosonic string and compute the spectrum.
- Be able to explain the connection between the critical space-time dimension of string theory and anomalies, both for the lightcone as well as for the covariant quantization.
- Be able to explain how a D-brane is defined from open string theory.
- Be able to explain the connection between conformal symmetry in two dimensions, covariant quantization with ghost fields, and the critical space-time dimension.
- Be able to show that the world-sheet action for superstrings is supersymmetric.
- Be able to understand the main elements of strings propagating in non-trivial backgrounds.
- Be able to understand the essentials of generalizing the bosonic string to the superstring.
- Be able to explain the essentials of why there are five consistent superstring theories.
- Be able to explain the essentials of T-duality for type IIA and type IIB string theory.
Competences
This course builds on the of knowledge quantum mechanics, special
and general relativity. The course will provide the students with a
competent background for further studies within this research
field, i.e. a M.Sc. project in theoretical high energy physics. It
will also provide those that plan to continue into experimental
high energy physics or cosmology the necessary background to
understand the physics of string theory.
This course will provide
the students with mathematical tools that have application in a
range of fields within and beyond physics.
to be announced
Elementary Particle Physics.
- Category
- Hours
- Exam
- 0,5
- Exercises
- 21
- Lectures
- 35
- Preparation
- 149,5
- Total
- 206,0
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Oral examination, 30 minutesOral exam, 30 minutes, no preparation time
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
- Exam period
- Several internal examiners.
Criteria for exam assesment
The highest mark (12) is given for excellent exam performance that demonstrates full mastery of the above mentioned learning goals with no or only minor gaps.
The mark 2 is given to a student who has only minimally achieved the course goals
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- NFYK14014U
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Level
- Full Degree MasterPh.D.
- Duration
- 1 block
- Placement
- Block 3
- Schedule
- B (Mon 8-12 + Tues 13-17 + Fri 8-12)
- Course capacity
- No restrictions
- Continuing and further education
- Study board
- Study Board of Physics, Chemistry and Nanoscience
Contracting department
- The Niels Bohr Institute
Course responsibles
- Troels Harmark (7-6c65767165766f4472666d326f7932686f)