A trick to solve functional integraltion?

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In summary: S/\hbar} In summary, the Bernoulli formula for the functional gives an approximation for the functional integrals that is first order.
  • #1
eljose
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we know that the functional integrals are important in quantum field theory,but we have the problem that except for the semiclassical approach,they can not be solved anyway..but if we used the formula:.
[tex]\int{d[\phi]F[\phi]=\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}(-1)^{n}\phi^n{D^{n}F[\phi]} [/tex]
where D is the functional derivative [tex] D=\delta/\delta{\phi}[/tex]
this is the Bernoulli formula for the functional ,we could obtain an approach to the functional integral,wher [tex]\phi=\int{\phi}d^4x[/tex]
 
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  • #2
Can you tell me the reference for this expansion formula for functional, because if I take the definition of the first functional derivative i read : [tex] D_\eta[\phi]=\lim_{\epsilon\rightarrow 0}\frac{F[\phi+\epsilon\eta]-F[\phi]}{\epsilon}[/tex]..this is the functional derivative of F in the "direction" [tex]\eta[/tex]..since a functional is a function which has starting elements that are themself functions (functions can build a more than continuus infinite dimensional space)...this leads to the first order approximation : [tex] F[\phi+\epsilon\eta]\approx F[\phi]+\epsilon D_\eta[\phi] [/tex]...the usual derivative is to put [tex]\eta(x)=\delta(x-y)[/tex] and is written D_{\eta(x)=\delta(x-y)}F[\phi]=\frac{\delta F}{\delta\phi}[/tex].
Hence I get the expansion : [tex] F[\phi+\epsilon\eta]=\sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{\epsilon^n}{n!}D_\eta F[\phi][/tex]
In you expansion it is for me not clear what [tex]\phi^n[/tex] means, since phi is a function, there exist different meaning : [tex] \phi(x)^n=\phi(x)\ldots\phi(x)\textrm{ and } \phi^n(x)=\phi(\cdots\phi(x)\cdots)[/tex]
 
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  • #3
eljose said:
we know that the functional integrals are important in quantum field theory,but we have the problem that except for the semiclassical approach,they can not be solved anyway..but if we used the formula:.
[tex]\int{d[\phi]F[\phi]=\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}(-1)^{n}\phi^n{D^{n}F[\phi]} [/tex]
where D is the functional derivative [tex] D=\delta/\delta{\phi}[/tex]
this is the Bernoulli formula for the functional ,we could obtain an approach to the functional integral,wher [tex]\phi=\int{\phi}d^4x[/tex]

LHS is a path integration over [tex]\phi[/tex]. How did you drop that path on RHS i.e. [tex]\int{d[\phi][/tex] ?
 
  • #4
If we consider the functional integration as the inverse of functional derivative let be [tex]G=\delta/\delta{\phi}[/tex] then we have that the solution to the functional equation:

[tex] F[\phi]+\phi{DF[\phi]}=e^{iS[\phi]/\hbar}[/tex] (1)

is [tex]F[\phi]=(1/\phi)\int{D[\phi]e^{iS/\hbar}[/tex]

but the differential equation can be solve by iterations to get the series..

[tex]F[\phi]=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\phi^{n}G^{n}e^{iS/\hbar} [/tex]

Unless of course is not true that for functionals...

[tex]G\int{D[\phi]e^{iS/\hbar}=e^{iS/\hbar} [/tex]

so if we consider the functional integration as the inverse of functional derivative..we can construct a series expansion for the operator D^{-1}, in fact it is supposed that:

[tex] D[\phi]=Lim{j\rightarrow\infty}\Product{dx1.dx2.dx3...dxj}[/tex]
 
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Related to A trick to solve functional integraltion?

What is functional integration?

Functional integration is a mathematical technique used to evaluate integrals involving functions rather than just variables. It is a generalization of the usual integration technique and is used in various fields such as physics, statistics, and economics.

Why is functional integration useful?

Functional integration allows for the evaluation of complex integrals that cannot be solved using traditional methods. It also provides a more general approach to solving integrals, making it applicable to a wider range of problems.

What is the trick to solving functional integration?

The most common trick to solving functional integration is known as the "saddle point method." This involves finding the critical points of the integrand and evaluating the integral at these points, which often simplifies the problem significantly.

Are there any limitations to using functional integration?

Yes, functional integration can only be used for certain types of integrals and may not always provide an exact solution. It also requires a good understanding of the underlying mathematical concepts and techniques.

Can functional integration be applied to real-world problems?

Yes, functional integration has various applications in fields such as physics, economics, and statistics. It can be used to solve problems related to optimization, probability, and quantum mechanics, among others.

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