From Dirac to Neutrino Oscillations

A condensed survey of much territory, this text is nevertheless sufficiently detailed to serve also as an introduction. It extends from the derivation of particle and field equations by a general method involving Lorentz covariance to gauge transformations, the electroweak theory, and particle-state transformations as used in neutrino oscillation and double-beta decay theory. Historical developments are emphasized, e.g., the important, but neglected, tortuous path of the isospin concept. While working with this text should bring the novice quickly up to speed, understanding is on top of the list. There the group theoretical underpinnings of much of the material will be helpful. Mathematical backup is given in the appendix. A final note: frequent reference to experiment provides the essential reality check. The author is perhaps best known for his work in the theory of nuclear beta-decay and on neutral currents, both theoretically and in experiment design. Since the eighties, his concern has mostly been with group theoretical foundations of quantum mechanics and field theory.Ahrens, Tino is the author of 'From Dirac to Neutrino Oscillations' with ISBN 9780792378860 and ISBN 0792378865.