Guidance in solving Scalar Field with BC's

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges of solving a scalar field theory with delta function potentials, specifically focusing on the calculation of the Casimir energy using a Green function approach. Participants explore the mathematical formulation and implications of the equations involved, as well as seek guidance on the steps necessary to arrive at a solution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion regarding the nature of a specific equation, questioning whether it represents a general wave equation or the equations of motion for the field, and its relationship to the reduced Green's function.
  • Another participant suggests that the equation in question may define the Green's function for the wave equation derived from the Lagrangian, drawing parallels to the Dirac equation and its Green's function.
  • A participant indicates they are still working on the problem and welcomes any additional tips or insights from others.
  • One participant proposes a method to solve the problem by taking the Fourier Transform of both sides of the equation, isolating the Green's function, and applying the residue theorem for the inverse transform.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the interpretation of the third equation or the best approach to solving the problem, as participants express varying levels of understanding and propose different methods.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached a resolution on the specific mathematical steps or the physical interpretation of the equations involved, indicating potential gaps in assumptions or definitions that remain unresolved.

robousy
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Hi all,

I am having some problems understanding the steps in a paper.

I've looked in books and asked other grad students but they have all not been of too much help and I am still stuck.


I have a massive scalar field mass [tex]\mu[/tex] interacting with two delta function potentials with lagrangian density:

[tex]{\cal L}_{int}=- \frac{1}{2} \frac{\lambda}{a} {\delta (x) \phi(x)^2 - \frac{1}{2} \frac{\lambda^'}{a} {\delta (x-a) \phi(x)^2<br /> [/tex]

with conditions:

[tex]\lambda, \lambda^{'} \rightarrow \infty \: \: \: \phi(0), \phi(a) \rightarrow 0[/tex]

I am interested in calculating the Casimir energy between the plates which can be computed in terms of a Green function which is just the Time ordered product of the expectation of the fields with a Fourier Transform:

[tex]G(x,x^{'} )=\int \frac{d\omega}{2\pi}e^{i\omega (t-t^{'})}g(x,x^{'};\omega^{'} )[/tex]

The reduced Green function satisfies:

[tex]\left -\frac{\partial^2}{\partial x^2}+\kappa^2+\frac{\lambda}{a}\delta(x) + \frac{\lambda^{'}}{a}\delta(x-a) \right g(x,x') = \delta(x-x^{'} )[/tex]

where, [tex]\kappa^2=\mu^2-\omega^2[/tex]

...they then go on to solve for g(x,x')


I am stuck on several parts of this.

1) What 'is' the 3rd equation. I am not sure if its a general wave equation that the field must satisfy, or if its the equations of motion of the field or what...and why is it multiplied by the reduced Greens function.

2) I am sure that no one can really be bothered to type out the solution of g(x,x') for me but if you could recommend a good source so that I can see the steps I would appreciate it.

ANY help whatsoever here would be good - physical insights...mathematical processes, just say anything you like! :)
 
Last edited:
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robousy said:
1) What 'is' the 3rd equation. I am not sure if its a general wave equation that the field must satisfy, or if its the equations of motion of the field or what...and why is it multiplied by the reduced Greens function.
The way it is formulated, I have the impression it is simply the defining equation for the Greens function of the wave equation you'd get from the Lagrangian.
See it this way: the Lagrangian codes for a wave equation, right ? Like the Lagrangian for the free Dirac field codes for the Dirac equation. Now the Dirac equation has a Green's function attached to it, which is essentially the Dirac equation with a delta function on the right (and a prescription for how to circumvent the poles).
I'm GUESSING that that is what the 3rd equation stands for.
If I talk nonsense I hope that someone will point that out (gently :biggrin:)
cheers,
Patrick.
 
I can't help you with this, but i'll see who can

Sorry
 
ok, thanks to both of you. I'm still working on this (after a week!) and have been looking at it every day. If anyone else can provide some tips then they will be appreciated.
 
Ok,

I think I am figuring out how to solve this.

Take the Fourier Transform of both sides, divide out term in brackets on left hand side to get g(k,x') by itself then take the inverse FT and solve using the residue theorem.
 

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