Mass counter term is a derivative at tree level?

In summary, the statement that computing only the leading-order diagrams and then taking the derivative of the result with respect to the mass is equivalent to evaluating the mass counter term diagrams is precisely true. This is shown through the Taylor expansion of the renormalized amplitude, which demonstrates that the first derivative of the amplitude at the renormalization point is equal to the mass counter term at one loop.
  • #1
CAF123
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I've heard the statement that by computing just the leading-order (tree level) diagrams of a process and then computing the derivative of this result with respect to the mass should correspond to the evaluation of the mass counter term diagrams. Can someone explain why this statement is precisely true?

If we renormalise ##m_0 = Z_m m## then the bare amplitude $$A(m_0) \rightarrow A(Z_m m) = A(m) + m(Z_m-1) \frac{d A(m)}{dm} +O ((1-Z_m)^2)$$

But why is dA(m)/dm equal to the derivative of the tree level result?
 
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  • #2
It's just the Taylor expansion of
$$f(Z_m)=A(Z_m m)$$
around ##Z_m=1##:
$$f(Z_m)=f(1)+(Z_m-1) f'(1)+\frac{1}{2} (Z_m-1)^2 f''(1)+\cdots$$
Now obviously
$$f^{(n)}(1)=A^{(n)}(m).$$
 
  • #3
@vanhees71 thanks. Why is ##f^{(1)}(1) = A^{(1)}(m)##, the derivative of the tree level result, equal to the mass counter term at one loop though?
 

1. What is a mass counter term?

A mass counter term is a term in a quantum field theory that is added to the original mass term in order to cancel out the divergences that arise in loop calculations. This allows for finite and meaningful results to be obtained at higher orders of perturbation theory.

2. Why is the mass counter term a derivative at tree level?

The mass counter term is a derivative at tree level because it is proportional to the momentum of the particle. This means that at tree level, when there are no loop corrections, the mass counter term is simply a constant and does not affect the overall behavior of the theory.

3. How does the mass counter term affect the renormalization of a theory?

The mass counter term is an essential part of the renormalization process, as it cancels out the divergences that arise in loop calculations. By adding this term, the theory can be renormalized and finite results can be obtained, making the theory more physically meaningful.

4. Is the mass counter term always necessary in quantum field theory?

Yes, the mass counter term is always necessary in quantum field theory. Without it, loop calculations would result in infinite and meaningless values, making the theory unusable. The mass counter term is an essential part of the renormalization process in order to obtain finite and physically meaningful results.

5. Can the mass counter term be calculated or is it an arbitrary value?

The mass counter term is not an arbitrary value and can be calculated using renormalization techniques. However, the exact value of the counter term depends on the specific theory being studied and may vary for different particles and interactions. In general, the mass counter term is chosen to cancel out the divergences in loop calculations and produce the most accurate and useful results.

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