How Does the Klein-Gordon Hamiltonian Define the Evolution of Field Variables?

In summary, the Klein-Gordon Hamiltonian is used to compute the evolution equation for a field \phi(x). This involves using the Poisson bracket, which is defined as an integral involving the derivatives of functional expressions. By integrating the delta functions and simplifying, we can see that the time derivative of the field is equal to its conjugate momentum, \pi(x) = \phi'(x). This is important to remember in fields theory, as the kinematic momentum is \phi'(x) rather than \phi(x) as in particle mechanics.
  • #1
shoehorn
424
1
Suppose that we take the Klein-Gordon Hamiltonian to be of the form

[tex]H = \int d^3x \, \mathcal{H}(x) = \frac{1}{2}\int d^3x\, (\pi^2(x) + (\nabla\phi(x))^2- m^2\phi^2(x))[/tex]

If we want to compute, say, the evolution equation for [itex]\phi(x)[/itex] we use the Poisson bracket:

[tex]\dot{\phi}(x) = \{\phi(x),H\} = \int d^3x'\,\{\phi(x),\mathcal{H}(x')\}[/tex]

So, if we recall that the definition of the Poisson bracket for some functionals [itex]F[\phi,\pi;x)[/itex], [itex]G[\phi,\pi;x)[/itex] is

[tex]\{F,G\} \equiv \int d^3y\,\left( \frac{\delta F}{\delta \phi(y)}\frac{\delta G}{\delta\pi(y)} - \frac{\delta F}{\delta\pi(y)}\frac{\delta G}{\delta\phi(y)}\right)[/tex]

we then have

[tex]\dot{\phi}(x) = \int d^3x'\, \int d^3y \frac{\delta\phi(x)}{\delta\phi(y)}\frac{\delta\mathcal{H}(x')}{\delta\pi(y)}
= \int d^3x' \int d^3y\, \delta^{(3)}(x-y)\pi(x')\delta^{(3)}(x'-y)[/tex]
[tex]=\int d^3x'\,\pi(x')\int d^3y\delta^{(3)}(x-y)\delta^{(3)}(x'-y)[/tex]

The question I have is whether or not I can integrate the dirac distributions as follows:

[tex]\int d^3x'\,\pi(x')\int d^3y\delta^{(3)}(x-y)\delta^{(3)}(x'-y)
= \int d^3x'\,\pi(x')\delta^{(3)}(x-x')[/tex]

so as to give me [itex]\dot{\phi}(x) = \pi(x)[/itex]? Have I got this right?
 
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  • #2
It might be a bit better to do the [itex]x'[/itex] integration first. Then, you don't have to use a delta function to evaluate a delta. In the standard theory of distributions, products of distributions aren't defined.
 
  • #3
There Are no problems with the two deltas product cause they are evaluated at different points. (x-y) and (x'-y). The theory of distributions see Schwarz (a fields medal) says that the problem is doing this inner product (d(x)*d(x),f(x)) where d stand for the delta compact support distributions. and these integral is obviously f(0)*infinite or some not well defined value.
You got it right shoeron: the time derivative of field (not only scalars field) is its conjugate momentum. It is usefull to remebere in fields theory
 

What is the Klein Gordon Hamiltonian?

The Klein Gordon Hamiltonian is a mathematical operator that describes the evolution of a quantum field in the framework of relativistic quantum mechanics. It contains information about the energy and momentum of the field.

What is the significance of the Klein Gordon Hamiltonian?

The Klein Gordon Hamiltonian is significant in the study of quantum field theory and particle physics. It is used to calculate the energy levels and dynamics of particles, and has been successful in predicting the existence of new particles such as the Higgs boson.

How is the Klein Gordon Hamiltonian derived?

The Klein Gordon Hamiltonian is derived from the Klein Gordon equation, which is a relativistic wave equation that describes the behavior of spinless particles. The Hamiltonian is obtained by applying the principles of quantum mechanics to the Klein Gordon equation.

What are the limitations of the Klein Gordon Hamiltonian?

One limitation of the Klein Gordon Hamiltonian is that it only describes spinless particles, and cannot be used to model particles with spin. It also does not take into account the effects of quantum electrodynamics, which is necessary for describing the behavior of particles with electromagnetic interactions.

How does the Klein Gordon Hamiltonian relate to the Schrödinger equation?

The Klein Gordon Hamiltonian is a relativistic version of the Schrödinger equation, which describes the behavior of non-relativistic particles. In the limit of low energies, the Klein Gordon equation reduces to the Schrödinger equation, making it a useful tool for understanding the behavior of quantum systems at different energy levels.

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