2017 Proseminar: Theory and Applications of Relativity

Proseminar

Thursday, 3. DS. (11:10-12:40), SE2/201/H

Organizer

Dr. H. Stöckinger-Kim (IKTP)

Preparatory meetings: 2 meetings for each talk, further details by email

Introduction

Proseminar on the theory of relativity and its applications in cosmology and particle physics: description of postulates and some applications.

How to participate/apply?

• Please notify the organizer by email or in person, preferably before 6th April 2017. Please indicate the preferred topic(s) in your email.
• Alternatively simply show up in the first seminar on 6th April 2017.

About the presentation

• Every talk will last for 30 minutes and summarize a particular book chapter (and/or suitable additional material).
• Talks can be given either on the blackboard or by using slides (laptop and beamer will be provided).

Part 1: Special relativity: four-vector language and physical concepts

1. Geometry of spacetime, Four-vectors, Minkowski space
2. Simultaneity, transformation of time and space
3. Lorentz transformation, length contraction, time dilation in physical and mathematical language
4. Relativity of velocities, Doppler effect
5. Momentum and energy in relativity and non-relativistic limit
6. Examples and funny questions in relativity

Part 2: Proofs and applications

1. Atomic/nuclear reactions, accelerators
2. Muons in cosmic rays
3. GZK paradox (Cosmic ray paradox)
4. Twin paradox, GPS

Part 3: A grasp of General Relativity

1. Curved space
2. Robertson-Walker tensor
3. Gravitational lensing
4. Gravitational waves: LIGO experiment

References

• Fundamentals of Physics: Halliday and Resnick, v.4, 8th Edition.
• Feynman Lectures I
• Einstein’s Legacy: Julian Schwinger
  
• Special Relativity, A First Encounter: D. Giulini
• Spezielle Relativitätstheorie: W. Greiner
• Spezielle Relativitätstheorie, Thermodynamik: W. Nolting
• Particle Astrophysics: D. Perkins

        and more