Peskin book on QFT question -- 2 integrals for D(x−y)

In summary, the conversation discusses Peskin's book on QFT and specifically, the integrals for ##D(x-y)## in chapter 2, Causality (2.4). The first integral leads to asymptotic behavior as ##t \to \infty## and there is a detailed explanation in Rolnick's Appendix D. The second integral involves passing to polar-momentum coordinates and then doing a contour integral. For further assistance, the person is advised to start a thread in the HW forum and show their work.
  • #1
Silviu
624
11
Hello! Those who used Peskin's book on qft, in chapter 2, Causality (2.4) there are 2 integrals for ##D(x-y)##. Can someone explain to me how does he solve them, as I tried for a bit and didn't manage to do them (actually to get the behavior as ##t \to \infty##). Thank you!
 
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  • #2
IF I've guessed correctly which integrals you mean...

For the 1st one (leading to asymptotic ##t\to\infty## behaviour), see my final post in this old thread.

For the 2nd, that's just a matter of passing to polar-momentum coordinates first, and then doing a contour integral. IIRC, there's a more detailed explanation in Rolnick, Appendix D. (If you want more detailed help, you'll probably need to start a thread in the HW forum and show your work.)
 

1. What is the Peskin book on QFT about?

The Peskin book on QFT, also known as "An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory" by Michael E. Peskin and Daniel V. Schroeder, is a comprehensive guide to the mathematical framework and physical concepts of quantum field theory. It covers topics such as Feynman diagrams, renormalization, and symmetry breaking.

2. Why are there 2 integrals for D(x-y) in the Peskin book on QFT?

The 2 integrals for D(x-y) in the Peskin book on QFT are used to represent the propagator, or the probability amplitude of a particle propagating from one point to another in spacetime. The first integral represents the time component and the second integral represents the spatial component.

3. Can you explain the mathematical significance of the 2 integrals for D(x-y)?

The 2 integrals for D(x-y) are important in quantum field theory as they represent the Green's function, which is a solution to the differential equation that describes the behavior of a quantum field. It is used to calculate scattering amplitudes and determine the interactions between particles.

4. How are the 2 integrals for D(x-y) related to the Feynman propagator?

The 2 integrals for D(x-y) are equivalent to the Feynman propagator, which is a specific representation of the propagator in Feynman diagrams. The Feynman propagator is a key tool in calculating scattering amplitudes and is derived from the 2 integrals for D(x-y).

5. Are the 2 integrals for D(x-y) used in other areas of physics?

Yes, the 2 integrals for D(x-y) are not specific to quantum field theory and can be found in other areas of physics as well. They are used in statistical mechanics, quantum mechanics, and general relativity to represent the propagator and solve certain differential equations.

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