- #1
robousy
- 334
- 1
Hi,
I am reading chapter 5 of Ryder regarding path integrals and vacuum to vacuum transition amplitudes in presence of source.
I follow the math but don't have a clear physical picture.
The formula is:
[tex] Z[J]=\int Dq \: exp ( \frac{i}{h}\int dt(L+hJq+\frac{1}{2}i\epsilon q^2) )
[/tex]
Can someone explain what this is the transition amplitude of please?
I think its saying:
1) pick a point in space
2) overlay a source (eg EM field)
3) A particle may be raised above the vacuum ground state at some point but ultimately at the beginning and end of time the vacuum will stay the vacuum - ie the vacuum will never turn into a stable particle.
I don't really think this is correct so please correct me!
:)
I am reading chapter 5 of Ryder regarding path integrals and vacuum to vacuum transition amplitudes in presence of source.
I follow the math but don't have a clear physical picture.
The formula is:
[tex] Z[J]=\int Dq \: exp ( \frac{i}{h}\int dt(L+hJq+\frac{1}{2}i\epsilon q^2) )
[/tex]
Can someone explain what this is the transition amplitude of please?
I think its saying:
1) pick a point in space
2) overlay a source (eg EM field)
3) A particle may be raised above the vacuum ground state at some point but ultimately at the beginning and end of time the vacuum will stay the vacuum - ie the vacuum will never turn into a stable particle.
I don't really think this is correct so please correct me!
:)