Functional determinant approach to perturbation

In summary, the functional determinant approach to perturbation is a method used in mathematical physics to study small changes or perturbations in a system. It involves calculating the determinant of a functional matrix, which represents the system's equations of motion. This approach allows for the analysis of the stability and behavior of the system under varying conditions, making it a valuable tool in understanding complex physical systems. It has applications in fields such as quantum mechanics, fluid dynamics, and statistical mechanics.
  • #1
Sangoku
20
0
given the functional integral with 'g' small coupling constant

[tex] \int \mathcal D [\phi]exp(iS_{0}[\phi]+\int d^{4}x \phi ^{k}) [/tex]

so k >2 then could we use a similar 'Functional determinant approach' to this Feynman integral ?? in the sense that the integral above will be equal to

[tex] Cx(Det[\partial _{\mu}+k\phi^{k-1})^{-1/b} [/tex]

where C and 'b' are constant and the determinant is defined as an infinite product of eigenvalues

[tex] \zeta (s) \Gamma(s)= \int_{0}^{\infty}dt t^{s-1}Tr[e^{-sH_{0}-sgV_{int}] [/tex]

where the index '0' means the quadratic part of our Hamiltonian /action and so on..

since 'g' is small then we can express for every eigenvalue:

[tex] \lambda _{n} =\lambda _{0}+g\lambda _{n}^{1} +g^{2}\lambda_{n}^{2}+... [/tex]

so [tex] det= \prod_{n} \lambda_{n} [/tex]
 
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  • #2
Um,

shouldn't your infinite product have some additional conditions to ensure convergence?
 
  • #3
Sangoku said:
given the functional integral with 'g' small coupling constant

[tex] \int \mathcal D [\phi]exp(iS_{0}[\phi]+\int d^{4}x \phi ^{k}) [/tex]

I don't see any 'g' in the above...

so k >2 then could we use a similar 'Functional determinant approach' to this Feynman integral ?? in the sense that the integral above will be equal to

[tex] Cx(Det[\partial _{\mu}+k\phi^{k-1})^{-1/b} [/tex]

It appears that the functional integral you wrote can not be equal to the above determinant because the above determinant appears to depend on 'phi' whereas the value of the functional integral does not depend on 'phi'
 
  • #4
To 'Emmanuelle 14' = product DIVERGES however using zeta regularization you can attach a finite value to it equal to [tex] exp(-\zeta (0)) [/tex]

My question 'Olgranppapy' is to know if there is a generalization of the Functional determinant to the case of Non-linear operators as the produt of the eigenvalues for n=01,2,3,4,... given by

[tex] \Delta \phi +\phi^{k-1}k=\lambda_{n}\phi = \partial _{t} \phi [/tex]
 
  • #5
Sangoku said:
To 'Emmanuelle 14' = product DIVERGES however using zeta regularization you can attach a finite value to it equal to [tex] exp(-\zeta (0)) [/tex]


Are you saying [tex] det = \prod_{n} \lambda_{n} = exp(-\zeta (0)) [/tex] ?

How did you get [tex] \prod_{n} \lambda_{n} = exp(-\zeta (0)) [/tex] to work? The article at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeta_regularization doesn't say anything about it. Do you have another reference to zeta regularization?
 
  • #6
Sangoku said:
My question 'Olgranppapy' is to know if there is a generalization of the Functional determinant to the case of Non-linear operators...

Perhaps formally... I don't know--But dealing with non-linear terms (interactions) is always the whole problem in every problem in physics, isn't it? :wink:
 
  • #8
Thanks, sangoku, looks interesting!
 

What is the functional determinant approach to perturbation?

The functional determinant approach to perturbation is a mathematical method used in quantum mechanics to study the effects of small changes, or perturbations, to a system's Hamiltonian. It involves calculating the determinant of a matrix, known as the perturbation operator, to determine the change in the system's wave function.

How does the functional determinant approach differ from other perturbation methods?

The functional determinant approach differs from other perturbation methods, such as the Rayleigh-Schrödinger perturbation theory, in that it takes into account all orders of perturbation terms. This means that it can provide more accurate results for systems with strong perturbations.

What are the advantages of using the functional determinant approach?

One advantage of using the functional determinant approach is that it can be applied to a wide range of systems, including non-linear and non-stationary systems. It also provides a more rigorous and accurate solution compared to other perturbation methods.

What are the limitations of the functional determinant approach?

One limitation of the functional determinant approach is that it can be computationally intensive, especially for systems with strong perturbations. It also requires a good understanding of mathematical concepts, such as linear algebra and calculus, to properly apply the method.

How is the functional determinant approach used in practical applications?

The functional determinant approach has various practical applications, including in the study of quantum systems, condensed matter physics, and particle physics. It is also used in calculating the scattering amplitudes in quantum field theories, and in understanding the behavior of complex systems, such as disordered materials.

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