Description

The area of physics known as particle physics (sometimes known as high energy physics) investigates the characteristics of the particles that make up matter and radiation. Although the term "particle" can apply to many different kinds of incredibly small objects, "particle physics" often focuses on the fundamental interactions that must exist between the tiniest measurable particles in order to fully understand their behaviour. These fundamental particles are, as far as we currently understand them, excitations of the quantum fields that also control their interactions. The Standard Model is the currently preferred theory for describing these fundamental fields and particles, as well as their behaviour. The Standard Model and its many potential extensions, such as those to the newest "known" particle, the Higgs boson, or even to the oldest force field, gravity, are thus the focus of present particle physics research. This book will prepare a beginning to work in the field and at the same time will also serve as helpful reference material for active researchers. It was written in a straightforward pedagogic language by active researchers.