Coulomb scattering of spin-zero particle (QFT)

In summary, the conversation discusses a problem in verifying a matrix element for the scattering of a charged spin zero particle, using various operators and integrals. The question is about the disappearance of a certain term, which is explained by the antisymmetry of the integral.
  • #1
eudo
29
8
I'm looking at Aitchison and Hey's QFT book, trying to verify Eq. 8.27 (which is in fact problem 8.2). It asks us to verify that the matrix element for the scattering of a charged spin zero particle ([itex]s^+[/itex]) is
[tex]<s^+,p'|j^\mu_{em,s}|s^+,p> = e(p+p')^\mu e^{-i(p-p')\cdot x}[/tex]
where
[tex]|s^+,p>=\sqrt{2E}\hat{a}^\dagger(p)|0>[/tex]
and
[tex]j^\mu_{em,s}=ie(\phi^\dagger\partial^\mu \phi - (\partial^\mu \phi^\dagger)\phi[/tex]
Now, it turns out the solutions for this problem are online here

But I have a question about one of the steps. They expand the [itex]\phi[/itex]'s in terms of [itex]\hat{a}[/itex] and [itex]\hat{b}[/itex] operators and note that the [itex]\hat{a}[/itex]'s and [itex]\hat{b}[/itex]'s commute, so that we can move all the [itex]\hat{b}[/itex]'s to the right where they will give zero when acting on |0>. So we're only left with a term that has the [itex]\hat{a}[/itex] operators.

But it seems to me we still have a term

[tex]
ie\sqrt{4EE'}<0|\hat{a}(p')\int\frac{d^3\boldsymbol{k'}}{(2\pi)^3\sqrt{2\omega'}}\hat{b}(k')e^{-ik'\cdot x}\int \frac{d^3\boldsymbol{k}}{(2\pi)^3\sqrt{2\omega}}ik^\mu \hat{b}^\dagger(k)e^{ik\cdot x}\hat{a}^\dagger(p)|0>
[/tex]

Where did this term go? The [itex]\hat{b}[/itex] and [itex]\hat{b}^\dagger[/itex] operators do not commute.
 
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  • #2
The answer is that this term vanishes because the integral over k' is antisymmetric in k' and k, so that the integrand is odd. Then, since the integrand is odd, its integral over all k' vanishes.
 

1. What is Coulomb scattering of spin-zero particle?

Coulomb scattering of spin-zero particle is a quantum field theory phenomenon that describes the scattering of a spin-zero particle (such as a Higgs boson) off of a Coulomb potential, which is generated by a charged particle.

2. How is Coulomb scattering of spin-zero particle different from other types of scattering?

Coulomb scattering of spin-zero particle is unique because it takes into account the effects of both the charged particle's electric field and the spin of the spin-zero particle. This leads to different scattering cross-sections and rates compared to other types of scattering.

3. What is the significance of studying Coulomb scattering of spin-zero particle?

Studying Coulomb scattering of spin-zero particle can provide important insights into the interactions between charged particles and spin-zero particles, which are fundamental to understanding the behavior of the universe at a microscopic level. It also has practical applications in fields such as particle accelerators and nuclear physics.

4. How is Coulomb scattering of spin-zero particle calculated?

Coulomb scattering of spin-zero particle is calculated using quantum field theory techniques, specifically using Feynman diagrams. These diagrams represent all possible interactions between particles and their associated probabilities, which can then be used to calculate the scattering cross-section.

5. Can Coulomb scattering of spin-zero particle be observed experimentally?

Yes, Coulomb scattering of spin-zero particle has been observed experimentally in particle accelerators such as the Large Hadron Collider. By analyzing the data from these experiments, scientists can verify the predictions of quantum field theory and gain a better understanding of the behavior of particles at the subatomic level.

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