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Quantum Field Theory — Equation Sheet

The complete equation reference for QFT — from classical fields and canonical quantization through Feynman rules, renormalization, path integrals, and the Standard Model.

12 sections · 87 equations

Classical Field Theory

Action Functional
S[ϕ]=d4xL(ϕ,μϕ)S[\phi] = \int d^4x \, \mathcal{L}(\phi,\, \partial_\mu\phi)
The action is the spacetime integral of the Lagrangian density ℒ. The principle of least action (δS = 0) yields the field equations of motion.
Euler-Lagrange Equation for Fields
μL(μϕ)Lϕ=0\partial_\mu \frac{\partial\mathcal{L}}{\partial(\partial_\mu\phi)} - \frac{\partial\mathcal{L}}{\partial\phi} = 0
Field equation of motion obtained by extremizing the action. Generalizes the particle E-L equation to continuous fields.
Klein-Gordon Lagrangian
L=12(μϕ)(μϕ)12m2ϕ2\mathcal{L} = \tfrac{1}{2}(\partial_\mu\phi)(\partial^\mu\phi) - \tfrac{1}{2}m^2\phi^2
Lagrangian density for a real scalar field φ of mass m. The first term is kinetic; the second is the mass term.
Klein-Gordon Equation
(+m2)ϕ=0,μμ(\Box + m^2)\phi = 0, \qquad \Box \equiv \partial_\mu\partial^\mu
Relativistic wave equation for a massive scalar field, derived from the KG Lagrangian via the Euler-Lagrange equation.
Dirac Lagrangian
L=ψˉ(iγμμm)ψ\mathcal{L} = \bar{\psi}\bigl(i\gamma^\mu\partial_\mu - m\bigr)\psi
Lagrangian for a spin-½ Dirac spinor field ψ. The Dirac adjoint is ψ̄ = ψ†γ⁰.
Noether Current
jμ=L(μϕ)δϕ,μjμ=0j^\mu = \frac{\partial\mathcal{L}}{\partial(\partial_\mu\phi)}\,\delta\phi, \qquad \partial_\mu j^\mu = 0
To every continuous symmetry δφ of the action there corresponds a conserved current j^μ (Noether's theorem).
Conserved Noether Charge
Q=d3xj0(x,t)Q = \int d^3x \, j^0(\mathbf{x},t)
Spatial integral of the time component of the Noether current. dQ/dt = 0 follows from current conservation.
Canonical Energy-Momentum Tensor
Tμν=L(μϕ)νϕgμνLT^{\mu\nu} = \frac{\partial\mathcal{L}}{\partial(\partial_\mu\phi)}\,\partial^\nu\phi - g^{\mu\nu}\mathcal{L}
Conserved tensor (∂_μ T^{μν} = 0) arising from invariance under spacetime translations. T^{00} is the Hamiltonian density.

Canonical Quantization — Scalar Field

Canonical Momentum Density
π(x)=Lϕ˙=ϕ˙(x)\pi(x) = \frac{\partial\mathcal{L}}{\partial\dot{\phi}} = \dot{\phi}(x)
Canonical momentum conjugate to the scalar field φ. For the KG Lagrangian this equals the time derivative of the field.
Equal-Time Commutation Relations
[ϕ(x,t),π(y,t)]=iδ(3)(xy)[\phi(\mathbf{x},t),\, \pi(\mathbf{y},t)] = i\,\delta^{(3)}(\mathbf{x}-\mathbf{y})
The fundamental quantum condition promoting φ and π to operators. The other equal-time commutators vanish.
Mode Expansion (Scalar Field)
ϕ(x)=d3p(2π)312ωp(apeipx+apeipx)\phi(x) = \int \frac{d^3p}{(2\pi)^3}\,\frac{1}{\sqrt{2\omega_{\mathbf{p}}}} \Bigl(a_{\mathbf{p}}\,e^{-ip\cdot x} + a_{\mathbf{p}}^\dagger e^{ip\cdot x}\Bigr)
Expansion of the scalar field in plane-wave modes. p·x = ω_p t − p·x in the exponent. a and a† are annihilation and creation operators.
On-Shell Dispersion Relation
ωp=p2+m2\omega_{\mathbf{p}} = \sqrt{|\mathbf{p}|^2 + m^2}
Energy of a mode with momentum p for a field of mass m. Sets p² = m² (on-shell condition).
Ladder Operator Commutator
[ap,aq]=(2π)3δ(3)(pq)[a_{\mathbf{p}},\, a_{\mathbf{q}}^\dagger] = (2\pi)^3\,\delta^{(3)}(\mathbf{p}-\mathbf{q})
Creation and annihilation operators satisfy canonical commutation relations. All other combinations commute.
Normal-Ordered Hamiltonian
H=d3p(2π)3ωpapapH = \int \frac{d^3p}{(2\pi)^3}\,\omega_{\mathbf{p}}\,a_{\mathbf{p}}^\dagger a_{\mathbf{p}}
After normal ordering (:…:) to discard the infinite zero-point energy. Each a†a counts the occupation of mode p with energy ω_p.
Vacuum State
ap0=0p,00=1a_{\mathbf{p}}|0\rangle = 0 \quad \forall\,\mathbf{p}, \qquad \langle 0|0\rangle = 1
The Fock vacuum is annihilated by all lowering operators. Single-particle states are |p⟩ = a†_p|0⟩.

Dirac Field & Spinors

Dirac Equation
(iγμμm)ψ=0(i\gamma^\mu\partial_\mu - m)\psi = 0
First-order, relativistic wave equation for a spin-½ particle. Factorizes the Klein-Gordon equation.
Clifford Algebra
{γμ,γν}=2gμν1\{\gamma^\mu, \gamma^\nu\} = 2g^{\mu\nu}\mathbf{1}
The defining relation of the gamma matrices in metric signature (+−−−). The γ^μ are 4×4 matrices.
Dirac Adjoint
ψˉ=ψγ0\bar{\psi} = \psi^\dagger\gamma^0
Lorentz-covariant adjoint. Products of the form ψ̄ψ, ψ̄γ^μψ are Lorentz scalars and four-vectors respectively.
Feynman Slash Notation
γμaμ,̸p2=p2\not{a} \equiv \gamma^\mu a_\mu, \qquad \not{p}^2 = p^2
Contraction of a four-vector a_μ with the gamma matrices. The Dirac equation becomes (i∂̸ − m)ψ = 0.
Equal-Time Anticommutation Relations
{ψα(x,t),ψβ(y,t)}=δαβδ(3)(xy)\{\psi_\alpha(\mathbf{x},t),\,\psi_\beta^\dagger(\mathbf{y},t)\} = \delta_{\alpha\beta}\,\delta^{(3)}(\mathbf{x}-\mathbf{y})
Fermi-Dirac statistics require anticommutators. The spin-statistics theorem guarantees this for half-integer spin fields.
Dirac Field Mode Expansion
ψ(x)=d3p(2π)312Eps ⁣(apsus(p)eipx+bpsvs(p)eipx)\psi(x) = \int\frac{d^3p}{(2\pi)^3}\frac{1}{\sqrt{2E_{\mathbf{p}}}}\sum_s\!\Bigl(a_{\mathbf{p}}^s\,u^s(p)\,e^{-ip\cdot x} + b_{\mathbf{p}}^{s\dagger}v^s(p)\,e^{ip\cdot x}\Bigr)
Expansion in u-spinors (particles, operator a) and v-spinors (antiparticles, operator b†). Sum over spins s = ±½.
Spin-Sum Completeness Relations
sus(p)uˉs(p)=+m,svs(p)vˉs(p)=m\sum_s u^s(p)\bar{u}^s(p) = \not{p}+m, \qquad \sum_s v^s(p)\bar{v}^s(p) = \not{p}-m
Used to average or sum over unobserved spin states when computing |M|². Essential for squaring amplitudes.
Gordon Identity
uˉ(p)γμu(p)=uˉ(p) ⁣[(p+p)μ2m+iσμνqν2m] ⁣u(p)\bar{u}(p^\prime)\gamma^\mu u(p) = \bar{u}(p^\prime)\!\left[\frac{(p+p^\prime)^\mu}{2m} + \frac{i\sigma^{\mu\nu}q_\nu}{2m}\right]\!u(p)
Decomposes the vector current into a charge-current term and a magnetic-moment term. q = p′ − p is the momentum transfer.

Gauge Fields & QED

Electromagnetic Field Tensor
Fμν=μAννAμF_{\mu\nu} = \partial_\mu A_\nu - \partial_\nu A_\mu
Antisymmetric tensor built from the four-potential A^μ. Encodes E and B: F^{0i} = −E^i, F^{ij} = −ε^{ijk}B_k.
Maxwell Lagrangian
LMaxwell=14FμνFμν\mathcal{L}_{\text{Maxwell}} = -\frac{1}{4}F_{\mu\nu}F^{\mu\nu}
Free electromagnetic field Lagrangian; invariant under U(1) gauge transformations A_μ → A_μ − ∂_μα.
U(1) Gauge Transformation
ψeiα(x)ψ,AμAμ1eμα(x)\psi \to e^{i\alpha(x)}\psi, \qquad A_\mu \to A_\mu - \frac{1}{e}\partial_\mu\alpha(x)
Local gauge symmetry of QED. Invariance under this transformation forces the introduction of the photon field.
QED Covariant Derivative
Dμ=μ+ieAμD_\mu = \partial_\mu + ieA_\mu
Replaces ∂_μ in the Dirac Lagrangian to enforce local gauge invariance. The coupling constant e is the electric charge.
QED Lagrangian
LQED=ψˉ(im)ψ14FμνFμν\mathcal{L}_{\text{QED}} = \bar{\psi}(i\not{D} - m)\psi - \frac{1}{4}F_{\mu\nu}F^{\mu\nu}
Full QED Lagrangian. Expanding D̸ = ∂̸ + ieà generates the three-point interaction vertex −eψ̄γ^μ A_μ ψ.
Lorenz Gauge Condition
μAμ=0\partial_\mu A^\mu = 0
Covariant gauge-fixing condition. Does not uniquely fix the gauge but simplifies the equations of motion to □A^μ = ej^μ.
Covariant Maxwell Equations
νFμν=ejμ,[λFμν]=0\partial_\nu F^{\mu\nu} = e\,j^\mu, \qquad \partial_{[\lambda}F_{\mu\nu]} = 0
Inhomogeneous equation (sources ej^μ) and homogeneous Bianchi identity (automatically satisfied by F = dA).

Feynman Propagators

Scalar Propagator (position space)
DF(xy)=0T{ϕ(x)ϕ(y)}0D_F(x-y) = \langle 0|\,\mathcal{T}\{\phi(x)\phi(y)\}\,|0\rangle
Time-ordered two-point function of the scalar field. The fundamental building block of perturbation theory.
Scalar Propagator (momentum space)
D~F(p)=ip2m2+iϵ\widetilde{D}_F(p) = \frac{i}{p^2 - m^2 + i\epsilon}
Feynman propagator in momentum space. The iε prescription selects the Feynman contour and enforces causal boundary conditions.
Fermion Propagator (momentum space)
S~F(p)=i(+m)p2m2+iϵ\widetilde{S}_F(p) = \frac{i(\not{p}+m)}{p^2 - m^2 + i\epsilon}
Propagator for an internal Dirac fermion line with four-momentum p. The numerator is the spin sum ∑_s u u̅.
Photon Propagator — Feynman Gauge
D~Fμν(k)=igμνk2+iϵ\widetilde{D}_F^{\mu\nu}(k) = \frac{-i\,g^{\mu\nu}}{k^2 + i\epsilon}
Massless boson propagator in Feynman (Lorenz) gauge ξ = 1. The most common gauge choice for QED calculations.
Photon Propagator — General Rξ Gauge
D~Fμν(k)=ik2+iϵ ⁣(gμν(1ξ)kμkνk2)\widetilde{D}_F^{\mu\nu}(k) = \frac{-i}{k^2+i\epsilon}\!\left(g^{\mu\nu} - (1-\xi)\frac{k^\mu k^\nu}{k^2}\right)
General covariant gauge family. ξ = 1: Feynman gauge; ξ = 0: Landau gauge. Physical observables are ξ-independent.
Källén-Lehmann Spectral Representation
0T{ϕϕ}0=0dμ2ρ(μ2)p2μ2+iϵ\langle 0|\mathcal{T}\{\phi\phi\}|0\rangle = \int_0^\infty d\mu^2\,\frac{\rho(\mu^2)}{p^2 - \mu^2 + i\epsilon}
Exact non-perturbative form of the full propagator. The spectral density ρ(μ²) ≥ 0; its single-particle pole gives the field-strength renormalization Z.

Perturbation Theory & S-Matrix

S-Matrix (Time-Ordered Exponential)
S=Texp ⁣(id4xHI(x))S = \mathcal{T}\exp\!\left(-i\int d^4x\,\mathcal{H}_I(x)\right)
Unitary operator encoding all scattering amplitudes. ℋ_I is the interaction Hamiltonian density in the interaction picture.
Dyson Series
S=n=0(i)nn!d4x1d4xnT{HI(x1)HI(xn)}S = \sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{(-i)^n}{n!}\int d^4x_1\cdots d^4x_n\,\mathcal{T}\{\mathcal{H}_I(x_1)\cdots\mathcal{H}_I(x_n)\}
Perturbative expansion of S in powers of the coupling constant. The n = 0 term is the identity (no scattering); n = 1 gives first-order processes.
Scattering Amplitude Definition
fSi=δfi+i(2π)4δ(4)(pfpi)Mfi\langle f|S|i\rangle = \delta_{fi} + i(2\pi)^4\delta^{(4)}(p_f - p_i)\,\mathcal{M}_{fi}
The invariant amplitude M_{fi} encodes dynamics; the delta function enforces four-momentum conservation.
Wick's Theorem
T{ϕ1ϕn}=: ⁣ϕ1ϕn ⁣:+all contractions\mathcal{T}\{\phi_1\cdots\phi_n\} = {:\!\phi_1\cdots\phi_n\!:} + \text{all contractions}
Reduces time-ordered products to normal-ordered terms plus Feynman propagators (contractions). Essential for extracting Feynman diagrams.
Field Contraction
ϕ(x)ϕ(y)=DF(xy)\overline{\phi(x)\,\phi(y)} = D_F(x-y)
A Wick contraction of two scalar fields equals the Feynman propagator. Analogously for fermion and photon fields.
LSZ Reduction Formula (scalar)
p1km=j ⁣[i ⁣d4xjeikjxj(xj+m2)]ΩT{ϕ(x1)}Ω\langle p_1\cdots|\cdots k_m\rangle = \prod_j\!\left[i\!\int d^4x_j\,e^{ik_j\cdot x_j}(\Box_{x_j}+m^2)\right]\cdots\langle\Omega|\mathcal{T}\{\phi(x_1)\cdots\}|\Omega\rangle
Relates S-matrix elements to residues of poles in the full n-point Green's function. Each external leg amputates the propagator and puts the particle on-shell.

Feynman Rules — QED

QED Vertex Factor
ieγμ-ie\gamma^\mu
One factor per QED vertex connecting two fermion lines (momenta p, p′) and one photon line (index μ). Momentum is conserved at each vertex.
Internal Fermion Propagator
i(+m)p2m2+iϵ\frac{i(\not{p}+m)}{p^2-m^2+i\epsilon}
One factor per internal fermion line with four-momentum p. Arrow direction follows fermion-number flow.
Internal Photon Propagator
igμνk2+iϵ\frac{-ig_{\mu\nu}}{k^2+i\epsilon}
One factor per internal photon line with four-momentum k (Feynman gauge). Indices μ, ν contract with adjacent vertex factors.
External Fermion Lines
us(p)  (in),uˉs(p)  (out)u^s(p) \;(\text{in}), \quad \bar{u}^s(p) \;(\text{out})
Spinor factors for external (on-shell) fermion legs. Use v and v̄ for antifermions.
External Antifermion Lines
vˉs(p)  (in),vs(p)  (out)\bar{v}^s(p) \;(\text{in}), \quad v^s(p) \;(\text{out})
Spinor factors for external antifermion legs (e.g., positrons). Reversed convention from fermion lines.
External Photon Lines
ϵμ(λ)(k)  (in),ϵμ(λ)(k)  (out)\epsilon_\mu^{(\lambda)}(k) \;(\text{in}), \quad \epsilon_\mu^{*(\lambda)}(k) \;(\text{out})
Polarization vector for external on-shell photons with momentum k and polarization λ.
Loop Momentum Integration
 ⁣d4(2π)4\int\!\frac{d^4\ell}{(2\pi)^4}
Integrate over the unconstrained four-momentum ℓ for each independent loop. Loop integrals are generally divergent and require regularization.
Fermion Loop Sign
(1)# fermion loops(-1)^{\text{\# fermion loops}}
Each closed fermion loop contributes an extra factor of −1 from the anticommuting nature of Grassmann (fermionic) fields.

Cross Sections & Decay Rates

General Decay Rate
dΓ=12MM2dΦnd\Gamma = \frac{1}{2M}\,|\mathcal{M}|^2\,d\Phi_n
Differential decay rate for a particle of mass M decaying into n final-state particles. |M|² is the spin-summed, spin-averaged amplitude squared.
Lorentz-Invariant Phase Space (nLIPS)
dΦn=(i=1nd3pi(2π)32Ei)(2π)4δ(4) ⁣(Pipi)d\Phi_n = \left(\prod_{i=1}^n \frac{d^3p_i}{(2\pi)^3\,2E_i}\right)(2\pi)^4\delta^{(4)}\!\left(P - \textstyle\sum_i p_i\right)
Lorentz-invariant measure over all final-state momenta subject to four-momentum conservation.
Two-Body Phase Space (CM frame)
dΦ2=pcm8πs\int d\Phi_2 = \frac{|\mathbf{p}_{\rm cm}|}{8\pi\sqrt{s}}
Phase space integrated over angles for 2-body final states in the CM frame with √s = total CM energy.
Differential Cross Section
dσ=14E1E2v1v2M2dΦnd\sigma = \frac{1}{4E_1 E_2\,|v_1-v_2|}\,|\mathcal{M}|^2\,d\Phi_n
For 2 → n scattering; |v₁ − v₂| is the relative velocity of the beams. In the CM frame the flux factor = 2√s.
Mandelstam Variables
s=(p1+p2)2,t=(p1p3)2,u=(p1p4)2s = (p_1+p_2)^2,\quad t = (p_1-p_3)^2,\quad u = (p_1-p_4)^2
Lorentz-invariant combinations of momenta for 2 → 2 scattering (particles 1,2 in; 3,4 out).
Mandelstam Sum Rule
s+t+u=m12+m22+m32+m42s + t + u = m_1^2 + m_2^2 + m_3^2 + m_4^2
Constraint relating the three Mandelstam variables. In the massless limit, s + t + u = 0.
Optical Theorem
2ImM(pp)=2Ecmpcmσtot2\,\mathrm{Im}\,\mathcal{M}(p \to p) = 2E_{\rm cm}\,|\mathbf{p}_{\rm cm}|\,\sigma_{\rm tot}
Relates the imaginary part of the forward elastic amplitude to the total cross section. Follows from unitarity of the S-matrix.

Renormalization

Superficial Degree of Divergence (QED)
D=4Eγ32EψD = 4 - E_\gamma - \tfrac{3}{2}E_\psi
Power counting in QED: D is the degree of UV divergence of a diagram with E_γ external photon lines and E_ψ external fermion lines.
Callan-Symanzik Equation
[μμ+β(g)gnγ]G(n)(x1,,xn;μ,g)=0\left[\mu\frac{\partial}{\partial\mu} + \beta(g)\frac{\partial}{\partial g} - n\gamma\right]G^{(n)}(x_1,\ldots,x_n;\mu,g) = 0
Renormalization group equation: physical Green's functions are independent of the arbitrary scale μ. β and γ encode the running of coupling and fields.
QED Beta Function (one loop)
β(e)=μdedμ=e312π2>0\beta(e) = \mu\frac{de}{d\mu} = \frac{e^3}{12\pi^2} > 0
QED is infrared-free: the coupling grows with energy scale. Leads to a Landau pole at extremely high energies.
Running Coupling (QED)
α(μ2)=α(μ02)1α(μ02)3πln ⁣μ2μ02\alpha(\mu^2) = \frac{\alpha(\mu_0^2)}{1 - \dfrac{\alpha(\mu_0^2)}{3\pi}\ln\!\dfrac{\mu^2}{\mu_0^2}}
QED coupling constant at scale μ. α(m_e) ≈ 1/137; at the Z-pole α(m_Z) ≈ 1/128 — a measurable logarithmic running.
Ward-Takahashi Identity
qμΓμ(p,p+q)=SF1(p+q)SF1(p)q_\mu\,\Gamma^\mu(p,p+q) = S_F^{-1}(p+q) - S_F^{-1}(p)
QED Ward identity relating the vertex function Γ^μ to the fermion self-energy. Implies Z₁ = Z₂, protecting charge renormalization.
Dyson Resummation (Full Propagator)
D~(p2)=ip2m2Σ(p2)+iϵ\widetilde{D}(p^2) = \frac{i}{p^2 - m^2 - \Sigma(p^2) + i\epsilon}
Resums the geometric series of self-energy insertions Σ(p²). The pole of D̃ defines the physical mass and field-strength renormalization Z.
Anomalous Dimension
γϕ(μ)=μ2ZϕdZϕdμ\gamma_\phi(\mu) = \frac{\mu}{2Z_\phi}\frac{dZ_\phi}{d\mu}
Measures the deviation of the field scaling dimension from its classical value. Non-zero γ leads to anomalous scaling in critical phenomena.

Path Integrals

Scalar Field Path Integral
Z= ⁣Dϕ  exp ⁣(id4xL(ϕ,μϕ))Z = \int\!\mathcal{D}\phi\;\exp\!\left(i\int d^4x\,\mathcal{L}(\phi,\partial_\mu\phi)\right)
Sum over all field configurations weighted by e^{iS/ℏ}. Equals the vacuum persistence amplitude ⟨0|0⟩ in the absence of sources.
Generating Functional
Z[J]= ⁣Dϕ  exp ⁣(id4x[L+J(x)ϕ(x)])Z[J] = \int\!\mathcal{D}\phi\;\exp\!\left(i\int d^4x\bigl[\mathcal{L} + J(x)\phi(x)\bigr]\right)
Source J(x) coupled linearly to φ generates all Green's functions by functional differentiation.
n-Point Green's Function
G(n)(x1,,xn)=1Z[0](i)nδnZ[J]δJ(x1)δJ(xn)J=0G^{(n)}(x_1,\ldots,x_n) = \frac{1}{Z[0]}\left.\frac{(-i)^n\delta^n Z[J]}{\delta J(x_1)\cdots\delta J(x_n)}\right|_{J=0}
Full (disconnected) n-point correlator extracted by taking n functional derivatives of Z[J] and setting J = 0.
Free-Field Generating Functional
Z0[J]=exp ⁣(12d4xd4y  J(x)DF(xy)J(y))Z_0[J] = \exp\!\left(-\frac{1}{2}\int d^4x\,d^4y\;J(x)\,D_F(x-y)\,J(y)\right)
Closed-form result of the Gaussian path integral for free scalar theory. Encodes all free propagators.
Connected Green's Functions
W[J]=ilnZ[J],Gc(n)=(i)n1δnWδJnJ=0W[J] = -i\ln Z[J], \qquad G_c^{(n)} = \frac{(-i)^{n-1}\delta^n W}{\delta J^n}\bigg|_{J=0}
W[J] generates only connected diagrams. The 2-point function from W gives the full connected propagator.
1PI Effective Action
Γ[ϕc]=W[J]d4xJ(x)ϕc(x),ϕc(x)=δWδJ(x)\Gamma[\phi_c] = W[J] - \int d^4x\,J(x)\phi_c(x), \qquad \phi_c(x) = \frac{\delta W}{\delta J(x)}
Legendre transform of W[J]. Γ[φ_c] generates only one-particle-irreducible (1PI) diagrams. Its second functional derivative is the inverse full propagator.
Fermion Path Integral
Z[η,ηˉ]= ⁣DψˉDψ  exp ⁣(id4x[L+ηˉψ+ψˉη])Z[\eta,\bar{\eta}] = \int\!\mathcal{D}\bar{\psi}\,\mathcal{D}\psi\;\exp\!\left(i\int d^4x\bigl[\mathcal{L} + \bar{\eta}\psi + \bar{\psi}\eta\bigr]\right)
Path integral over Grassmann-valued spinor fields. η and η̄ are Grassmann-valued sources for ψ and ψ̄.

Non-Abelian Gauge Theories

Lie Algebra Structure Constants
[Ta,Tb]=ifabcTc[T^a, T^b] = if^{abc}T^c
The generators T^a of a compact Lie group obey this algebra. For SU(N): T^a = λ^a/2 (Gell-Mann matrices for N=3).
Non-Abelian Covariant Derivative
Dμ=μigTaAμaD_\mu = \partial_\mu - igT^a A_\mu^a
Minimal coupling for a matter field in representation T^a. The index a runs over the adjoint representation of the gauge group.
Non-Abelian Field Strength
Fμνa=μAνaνAμa+gfabcAμbAνcF_{\mu\nu}^a = \partial_\mu A_\nu^a - \partial_\nu A_\mu^a + gf^{abc}A_\mu^b A_\nu^c
Unlike QED, F contains a nonlinear term from the gauge algebra — the origin of gluon self-interactions in QCD.
Yang-Mills Lagrangian
LYM=14FμνaFaμν\mathcal{L}_{\rm YM} = -\frac{1}{4}F_{\mu\nu}^a F^{a\,\mu\nu}
Kinetic Lagrangian for non-Abelian gauge bosons. Generates 3- and 4-point self-interaction vertices absent in QED.
QCD Lagrangian
LQCD=14GμνaGaμν+fqˉf(imf)qf\mathcal{L}_{\rm QCD} = -\frac{1}{4}G_{\mu\nu}^a G^{a\mu\nu} + \sum_f \bar{q}_f(i\not{D} - m_f)q_f
G^a_{μν} is the gluon field strength for SU(3)_c. Sum over quark flavors f; the covariant derivative couples quarks to gluons.
QCD Beta Function (one loop)
β(gs)=gs316π2 ⁣(113CA43TFnf)\beta(g_s) = -\frac{g_s^3}{16\pi^2}\!\left(\frac{11}{3}C_A - \frac{4}{3}T_F n_f\right)
β < 0 for SU(3) with n_f < 16.5 quark flavors, giving asymptotic freedom. C_A = 3, T_F = ½ for SU(3).
Running QCD Coupling (asymptotic freedom)
αs(μ2)=2πβ0ln(μ/ΛQCD),β0=112nf3\alpha_s(\mu^2) = \frac{2\pi}{\beta_0\ln(\mu/\Lambda_{\rm QCD})}, \qquad \beta_0 = 11 - \frac{2n_f}{3}
α_s → 0 as μ → ∞ (asymptotic freedom). Λ_QCD ≈ 200 MeV is the QCD scale where the coupling becomes non-perturbative.
Faddeev-Popov Ghost Lagrangian
Lghost=cˉa(μDμab)cb\mathcal{L}_{\rm ghost} = \bar{c}^a\bigl(-\partial^\mu D_\mu^{ab}\bigr)c^b
Anticommuting ghost fields c, c̄ must be introduced in covariant gauges to cancel unphysical gauge-boson polarizations in loop diagrams.

Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking & Higgs Mechanism

Higgs Potential (Mexican Hat)
V(ϕ)=μ2ϕ2+λϕ4,μ2>0,  λ>0V(\phi) = -\mu^2|\phi|^2 + \lambda|\phi|^4, \quad \mu^2 > 0,\; \lambda > 0
Double-well (or Mexican-hat for complex φ) potential. The minimum is a circle of radius v, not at the origin — the symmetry is spontaneously broken.
Vacuum Expectation Value
v=ϕ=μ22λv = \langle|\phi|\rangle = \sqrt{\frac{\mu^2}{2\lambda}}
Non-zero VEV that breaks the U(1) symmetry. In the Standard Model, v ≈ 246 GeV sets the electroweak scale.
Goldstone's Theorem
dim(G/H)  =  nGoldstone  bosons\text{dim}\bigl(G/H\bigr) \;=\; n_{\rm Goldstone\; bosons}
For every spontaneously broken continuous symmetry generator there is a massless Nambu-Goldstone boson. G is the original symmetry group, H the residual (unbroken) group.
Higgs Boson Mass
mH2=2μ2=4λv2m_H^2 = 2\mu^2 = 4\lambda v^2
Mass of the physical Higgs boson — the radial fluctuation around the vacuum. Measured at m_H ≈ 125 GeV.
W Boson Mass (Higgs Mechanism)
mW=12gvm_W = \frac{1}{2}gv
W± bosons acquire mass by "eating" the would-be Goldstone bosons. g is the SU(2) weak gauge coupling.
Z Boson Mass
mZ=mWcosθW=v2g2+g2m_Z = \frac{m_W}{\cos\theta_W} = \frac{v}{2}\sqrt{g^2 + g^{\prime 2}}
Z⁰ mass from mixing SU(2) and U(1)_Y gauge bosons. θ_W is the Weinberg mixing angle; m_Z ≈ 91 GeV.
Weinberg Angle
sin2θW=1mW2mZ20.231\sin^2\theta_W = 1 - \frac{m_W^2}{m_Z^2} \approx 0.231
Electroweak mixing angle relating gauge couplings: tan θ_W = g′/g. Its precise value is measured in electroweak precision tests.
Yukawa Coupling (Fermion Mass)
LYukawa=yfψˉLHψR+h.c.,mf=yfv2\mathcal{L}_{\rm Yukawa} = -y_f\,\bar{\psi}_L H\psi_R + \text{h.c.}, \qquad m_f = \frac{y_f v}{\sqrt{2}}
Fermion masses arise from Yukawa couplings to the Higgs doublet H after SSB. The top quark has y_t ≈ 1, while the electron has y_e ≈ 3 × 10⁻⁶.