I wish to study supersymmetry in field theory(sometime in december). However, I
ID: 1379727 • Letter: I
Question
I wish to study supersymmetry in field theory(sometime in december). However, I am quite not sure what is needed for its study. In supersymmetry, I just want to get the mathematical idea, such as its algebra. I will finish a course in QM this semester. I have studied some lie algebra (Cahn, Georgi). I also have some knowledge about classical field theory such as E-L equations, yang-mills theory, gauge invariance, symmetry breaking, higgs mechanism which I acquired through the study of solitons. I DONT HAVE ANY KNOWLEDGE OF QUANTUM FIELD THEORY. Is this knowledge enough to study supersymmetry? What exactly in supersymmetry can I hope to learn in addition to the mathematics? WOuld it be possible for me to apply it to the standard model?
Hope this will not be closed as too specific. I am looking for brief information on what exactly can one study in supersymmetry and its prerequisites.
Explanation / Answer
I would really recommend a study in QFT before going on to study SUSY. QFT has many quirks that make supersymmetry a very interesting expansion of the regular framework. You'd miss out on all that as you just had to believe the facts presented w/o following the thought that lead to the results in detail.
On the Mathematical level you will need Grassmann numbers and their calculus, however, most books on SUSY include a chapter introducing the neccessary concepts.