Srednicki's \langle 0 \mid \phi(x) \mid 0 \rangle: Exploring Its Implications

  • Thread starter LAHLH
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In summary, Srednicki explains that by introducing a counterterm Yϕ in the Lagrangian, the sum of all connected diagrams with a single source is zero. This is because the sum of all diagrams with a single source and the source removed is zero. Additionally, if we replace the single source in each of these diagrams with another subdiagram, the sum of these is also zero. This is why we only sum over the 1PI diagrams on page 97.
  • #1
LAHLH
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Hi,

Srednicki has [tex] \langle 0 \mid \phi(x) \mid 0 \rangle =\frac{1}{i} \frac{\delta}{\delta J(x)} W_1 (J) \mid_{J=0}[/tex]

Which is the sum of all diagrams with that started with a single source (before the differentiation) now with the source removed.

Since we want this to be zero for the validity of the LSZ formula, we introduce counterm [tex] Y \phi [/tex] in the Lagrangian. We can choose this Y appropriatley at various orders of g now such that the vacuum expectation value is zero as we require.

I'm OK with all so far.

Now Srendicki says that because we have done this the sum of all connected diagrams with a single source is zero. Shouldn't this be the sum all diagrams with a single source with the source removed is zero?

Then he also goes on to say if we replace the single source in each of these diagrams with another subdiagram (any subdiagram), the sum of these is still zero. I do not understand why this is the case?

Could anyone please explain, thanks a lot if so.
 
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  • #2
LAHLH said:
Now Srendicki says that because we have done this the sum of all connected diagrams with a single source is zero. Shouldn't this be the sum all diagrams with a single source with the source removed is zero?

Sure, but then it's also zero if you put the source back.

That is, let [itex]f(x)[/itex] be the sume of all connected diagrams with a single source removed (and [itex]x[/itex] is the coordinate label where the source was removed). We adjust [itex]Y[/itex] so that [itex]f(x)=0[/itex].

If we put the source back, we have [itex]\int d^4x\,J(x)f(x)[/itex]. But since [itex]f(x)=0[/itex], the integral is also zero!
LAHLH said:
Then he also goes on to say if we replace the single source in each of these diagrams with another subdiagram (any subdiagram), the sum of these is still zero. I do not understand why this is the case?

Same argument. Replace [itex]J(x)[/itex] with [itex]h(x)[/itex], where [itex]h(x)[/itex] is some other subdiagram with a source missing and the endpoint labeled [itex]x[/itex]. Since [itex]f(x)=0[/itex], we have [itex]\int d^4x\,h(x)f(x)=0[/itex]. So the whole diagram is zero if any part of it is zero.
 
  • #3
Thanks alot. that makes sense.

On a maybe related note, on P97, we only sum over the 1PI diagrams, I'm just wondering why only these diagrams?
 

1. What is Srednicki's \langle 0 \mid \phi(x) \mid 0 \rangle?

Srednicki's \langle 0 \mid \phi(x) \mid 0 \rangle refers to the vacuum expectation value of a quantum field operator, denoted by \phi(x), in the context of quantum field theory. It represents the average value of the field operator in the ground state of the quantum field system.

2. What are the implications of Srednicki's \langle 0 \mid \phi(x) \mid 0 \rangle?

The implications of Srednicki's \langle 0 \mid \phi(x) \mid 0 \rangle are that it provides information about the properties of the quantum field system, such as the ground state energy and the symmetry of the system. It also plays a crucial role in calculations of physical observables in quantum field theory.

3. How is Srednicki's \langle 0 \mid \phi(x) \mid 0 \rangle related to quantum mechanics?

Srednicki's \langle 0 \mid \phi(x) \mid 0 \rangle is a concept within quantum field theory, which is a theoretical framework that combines quantum mechanics and special relativity. It extends the principles of quantum mechanics to fields, rather than just individual particles, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of particle interactions and phenomena.

4. Can Srednicki's \langle 0 \mid \phi(x) \mid 0 \rangle be experimentally tested?

Yes, the predictions and implications of Srednicki's \langle 0 \mid \phi(x) \mid 0 \rangle can be experimentally tested through measurements and observations of physical phenomena that involve quantum fields. These experiments provide evidence for the validity of quantum field theory and support the use of Srednicki's \langle 0 \mid \phi(x) \mid 0 \rangle in theoretical calculations.

5. Are there any applications of Srednicki's \langle 0 \mid \phi(x) \mid 0 \rangle in practical technology?

Srednicki's \langle 0 \mid \phi(x) \mid 0 \rangle is primarily a theoretical concept and is not directly used in practical technology. However, the principles of quantum field theory, which include the concept of vacuum expectation values, are essential in the development of technologies such as transistors, lasers, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines.

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