Solving for the space-time metric in the QFT integrals

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between the cosmological constant and mass within quantum field theory (QFT). It posits that the cosmological constant may act as a coupling constant in perturbative expansions, suggesting a dual interpretation of mass as both a coupling constant and a mass matrix that serves as a metric between configuration space and phase space, as referenced in Frankel's "The Geometry of Physics." The conversation raises the possibility of equating the coupling constant to the metric and its determinant, potentially transforming the metric into a dynamical entity. Questions are posed regarding the applicability of this mass matrix in both general and special relativity, as well as its relevance to single versus multiple particles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Quantum Field Theory (QFT) fundamentals
  • Understanding of the cosmological constant
  • Familiarity with perturbation theory in QFT
  • Knowledge of mass matrices and metrics in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the role of the cosmological constant in quantum field theory
  • Study perturbative expansions in QFT
  • Examine Frankel's "The Geometry of Physics" for insights on mass matrices
  • Explore the implications of mass matrices in general and special relativity
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, researchers in quantum field theory, and students exploring the intersections of general relativity and quantum mechanics will benefit from this discussion.

Mike2
Messages
1,312
Reaction score
0
I just heard that the cosmological constant is a coupling constant in some perturbative expansion of some QFT and can be interpreted as a mass? Is this true? Wouldn't that be interesting? That would mean that the GR effect of expansion may be responsible (or may be an equivalent expression for) QFT, right? Where can I learn more about this?

If this is correct, then there is now two ways to look at mass - as the coupling constant in QFT and as the mass matrix that is the metric that transforms between configuration space and phase space (Frankel's The Geometry of Physics, page 55). Since the coupling constant is solved for using the integrals of a perturbation expansion, is it possible to equate the coupling constant, which is a mass, to the metric, or its determinate, and equate this to the integral of the perturbation expansion, which also involves the metric in the integrand. Wouldn't this turn the metric into a dynamical entity to be solved for in the process? Or has this already been attempted? Or would this give us not enough equations to solve for the number of unknowns? Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Mike2 said:
I just heard that the cosmological constant is a coupling constant in some perturbative expansion of some QFT and can be interpreted as a mass? Is this true? Wouldn't that be interesting? That would mean that the GR effect of expansion may be responsible (or may be an equivalent expression for) QFT, right? Where can I learn more about this?

If this is correct, then there is now two ways to look at mass - as the coupling constant in QFT and as the mass matrix that is the metric that transforms between configuration space and phase space (Frankel's The Geometry of Physics, page 55). Since the coupling constant is solved for using the integrals of a perturbation expansion, is it possible to equate the coupling constant, which is a mass, to the metric, or its determinate, and equate this to the integral of the perturbation expansion, which also involves the metric in the integrand. Wouldn't this turn the metric into a dynamical entity to be solved for in the process? Or has this already been attempted? Or would this give us not enough equations to solve for the number of unknowns? Thanks.
What I don't understand is whether this "mass matrix" which serve as a metric between configuration and phase space is applicable in general or even special relativity. And I'm not sure that the mass matrix can apply to one particle or does it only apply to many particles. Any help would be appreciated.
 
Mike2 said:
What I don't understand is whether this "mass matrix" which serve as a metric between configuration and phase space is applicable in general or even special relativity. And I'm not sure that the mass matrix can apply to one particle or does it only apply to many particles. Any help would be appreciated.
If it can, I wonder if the coupling constant can be equated to the cosmological constant times the metric and then all this equated to a perturbation integral with the metric in it also, then does this constitute an eigenvalue problem with the cosmological constant as the eigenvalue? This is off the wall, so feel free to shoot it down. Thanks.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 69 ·
3
Replies
69
Views
8K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K