Problems on quantum field operators in QFT

In summary, the conversation discusses two questions about quantum field operators in QFT. The first question is whether the operator φ(r,t) can be interpreted as the coordinate representation of a theoretical operator in Hilbert space. The response is that the index r is not an entity in Hilbert space and this is evident when deriving QFT from coupled harmonic oscillators. The second question is whether there are representations similar to those in quantum mechanics in QFT, to which the response is affirmative, with creation and annihilation operators denoted as a^\dagger(p) and a(p).
  • #1
Dyson
21
0
Hello!

I met some annoying problems on quantum field operators in QFT.They are as follows:

(1)The quantum field operator( scalar field operator, for example),is often noted as

φ(r,t). Can it be interpreted as like this: φ(r,t) is the coordinate represetation of a

more abstract,theoretical operator φ in Hilbert space?

(2)Is there exist the represetation(such as momentum, coordinate...) which is similar to

that in quantum mechanics in QFT?

Thanks for reply!
 
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  • #2
Regarding 1) no, r is an "index", not an entity living in a Hilbert space. This becomes clear if one derives quantum field theory of a scalar field from infinitly many coupled harmonic oscillators.

Regarding 2) yes, these are the so-called creation an annihilation operators obtained by Fourier transform of the field operators, usually denoted as [tex]a^\dagger(p)[/tex] and [tex]a(p)[/tex]
 
  • #3
tom.stoer said:
Regarding 1) no, r is an "index", not an entity living in a Hilbert space. This becomes clear if one derives quantum field theory of a scalar field from infinitly many coupled harmonic oscillators.

Regarding 2) yes, these are the so-called creation an annihilation operators obtained by Fourier transform of the field operators, usually denoted as [tex]a^\dagger(p)[/tex] and [tex]a(p)[/tex]

Thank you very much!
 

1. What is a quantum field operator in QFT?

A quantum field operator in QFT is an operator that creates and annihilates quantum fields, which are fundamental excitations of a quantum field theory. These operators act on the quantum state of a system and are used to describe the dynamics of particles in quantum field theory.

2. What are some common problems encountered when working with quantum field operators in QFT?

Some common problems encountered when working with quantum field operators in QFT include divergences and infinities in calculations, non-renormalizability in certain theories, and the difficulty of quantizing interacting fields.

3. How are quantum field operators used in QFT calculations?

Quantum field operators are used in QFT calculations to describe the creation and annihilation of particles, as well as their interactions. They are also used to calculate scattering amplitudes and other physical observables in quantum field theory.

4. What is the relationship between quantum field operators and the uncertainty principle?

In quantum field theory, the uncertainty principle is related to the commutation relations between quantum field operators. These relations dictate the uncertainty in the measurement of certain observables, such as position and momentum, and play a crucial role in understanding the behavior of quantum fields.

5. How do quantum field operators differ from other types of quantum operators?

Quantum field operators differ from other types of quantum operators, such as those used in quantum mechanics, in that they act on an infinite number of degrees of freedom. This is due to the fact that quantum fields are continuous and can have an infinite number of possible values at each point in space and time.

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