Complex Scalar Field in Terms of Two Independent Real Fields

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the formulation of a complex scalar field in terms of two independent real scalar fields, specifically focusing on deriving commutator relations and exploring quantization conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses the need to derive the commutator relations for a complex scalar field defined as \(\phi = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} (\phi_1 + i \phi_2)\) and questions how to show that terms like \([\phi_1(\vec{x},t),\dot{\phi}_2(\vec{x}',t)]\) vanish.
  • Another participant suggests that the quantization condition can be taken as \([\phi_r(\vec{x},t),\pi_s(\vec{x}{\,}',t)] = i \delta^3(\vec{x}-\vec{x}{\,}')\delta_{rs}\), indicating that \(\phi_1\) and \(\phi_2\) are independent and only canonically conjugate with their own momenta.
  • A later reply reiterates the independence of \(\phi_1\) and \(\phi_2\) and states that \([\phi_1, \dot{\phi}_2] = 0\).
  • Another participant inquires about the Poisson bracket between the classical fields, suggesting that this could aid in canonical quantization using Dirac's rule.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the independence of the fields \(\phi_1\) and \(\phi_2\) and the implications for their commutation relations. However, there is no consensus on how to demonstrate the vanishing of specific commutators or the exact nature of the quantization process.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the derivation of the commutator relations and the application of the Poisson bracket in the context of canonical quantization.

ghotra
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I am working with a complex scalar field written in terms of two independent real scalar fields and trying to derive the commutator relations.

So,

[tex]\phi = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \left(\phi_1 + i \phi_2)[/tex]

where [itex]\phi_1[/itex] and [itex]\phi_2[/itex] are real.

When deriving,

[tex][\phi(\vec{x},t),\dot{\phi}(\vec{x}',t)] = 0[/tex]

I get terms like the following:

[tex][\phi_1(\vec{x},t),\dot{\phi}_2(\vec{x}',t)][/tex]

which I need to vanish. It makes sense to me that they should vanish, but how do I show this?
 
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Hmm...I think that we just take that as the quantization condition. That is,

[tex] [\phi_r(\vec{x},t),\pi_s(\vec{x}{\,}',t}] = i \delta^3(\vec{x}-\vec{x}{\,}')\delta_{rs}[/tex]

Is this correct?
 
ghotra said:
Hmm...I think that we just take that as the quantization condition. That is,

[tex] [\phi_r(\vec{x},t),\pi_s(\vec{x}{\,}',t}] = i \delta^3(\vec{x}-\vec{x}{\,}')\delta_{rs}[/tex]

Is this correct?

Since [itex]\phi_1[/itex] and [itex]\phi_2[/itex] are independent, they'll only be canonically conjugate with their own momenta (the [itex]\delta_{rs}[/itex] on the left). Your equation just states that in combination with the usual commutation relation of the real scalar field.
 
[tex]\phi_1[/tex] and [tex]\phi_2[/tex]
are independent fields, so
[tex][\phi_1, \dot{\phi}_2][/tex]=0
 
What is the Poisson bracket between the classical fields ? If you know that, you can canonically quantize using Dirac's rule.

Daniel.
 

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