Namık Kemal Pak

Discrete symmetries in quantum theory

In this thesis, one of the most central problems of modern physics, namely the discrete symmetries, is discussed from various perspectives ranging from classical mechanics to relativistic quantum theory. The discrete symmetries, namely charge conjugation (C), parity (P), time reversal (T), which are connected by the so-called CPT Theorem are studied in detail. The anti-particles with a view to matter-anti-matter symmetry is also addressed and the anti-unitarity nature of the time reversal, as well as the CPT, is worked out in detail. Another issue, which have been devoted special attention to, is the CP violation in the context of neutral Kaon mixing and oscillations. Although there have been recent discoveries of CP violation in the framework of other neutral systems, like B and D mesons, this historical problem is taken up because of its simplicity and beauty