Quadruple Integral in the Lamb Shift

In summary, the conversation discusses the analytical computation of the shift in energy level of electrons in atoms due to quantum electrodynamics using perturbation theory. The fourth-order contribution is given in five different terms, one of which is the "Electron Self Energy" term that involves seven quadruple integrals. The speaker is seeking assistance in computing one of the integrals and hopes to use the knowledge gained to compute the others. The specific integral mentioned is reported in a publication and the result is provided. The speaker asks for guidance on which integral to compute first.
  • #1
Francisco Alegria
2
0
TL;DR Summary
Computation of a quadruple integral that comes up when computing the fourth order contribuition to the Lamb Shift in energy of the electron orbiltals - Self energy part
The analytical computation of the shift in energy level of electrons in atoms due to quantum electrodynamics is carried out using perturbation theory. In particular, the fourth-order contribution is given in five different terms. One of them, usually called "Electron Self Energy", leads to seven different quadruple integrals. I do not know how to compute any of them on my own.

I ask anyone for some assistance in computing one of the easiest ones (with what I learn from you, I hope to be able to do the other ones).
Here it is:

$$\int_{0}^{1}\int_{0}^{1}\int_{0}^{1}\int_{0}^{1}\frac{w(w-1)(1-u^2)v^2}{v(1-u)z+(1-w)u}dudzdvdw$$

The result reported in M. F. Soto, "Calculation of the Slope at q^2=0 of the Dirac Form Factor for the Electron Vertex in Fourth Order", Physical Review A, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 734-758, September 1970, eq. (A7) and (A8) is ##\pi^2/120-5/32##.

Which integral should I do first?
 
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  • #2


First, we can rewrite the integral as follows:

$$\int_{0}^{1}\int_{0}^{1}\int_{0}^{1}\int_{0}^{1}\frac{w(w-1)(1-u^2)v^2}{v(1-u)z+(1-w)u}dudzdvdw = \int_{0}^{1}\int_{0}^{1}\int_{0}^{1}\int_{0}^{1}\frac{w(w-1)(1-u^2)v}{(1-u)z+(1-w)u}dudzdvdw$$

Next, we can use the substitution ##x = (1-u)z + (1-w)u## to simplify the integral. This substitution allows us to rewrite the integral as follows:

$$\int_{0}^{1}\int_{0}^{1}\int_{0}^{1}\int_{0}^{1}\frac{w(w-1)(1-u^2)v}{x}dudzdvdw$$

To compute this integral, we can use the method of partial fractions. First, we can factor the numerator as follows:

$$w(w-1)(1-u^2)v = w(u+1)(u-1)v = w(u^2-1)v$$

Next, we can rewrite the integral as follows:

$$\int_{0}^{1}\int_{0}^{1}\int_{0}^{1}\int_{0}^{1}\frac{w(u^2-1)v}{x}dudzdvdw$$

We can now split the integral into four separate integrals, each with respect to one of the variables:

$$\int_{0}^{1}\frac{w}{x}\int_{0}^{1}\int_{0}^{1}\int_{0}^{1}(u^2-1)v\,dudzdvw$$

$$+\int_{0}^{1}\frac{u^2-1}{x}\int_{0}^{1}\int_{0}^{1}\int_{0}^{1}wv\,dudzdvw$$

$$+\int_{0}^{1}\frac{v}{x}\int_{0}^{1}\int_{0}^{1}\int_{0}^{1}w(u^2-
 

1. What is a quadruple integral in the Lamb Shift?

A quadruple integral in the Lamb Shift is a mathematical expression used to calculate the energy shift of an electron in a hydrogen atom due to the presence of a proton. It takes into account the interactions between the electron and the proton, as well as the fluctuations in the vacuum energy.

2. How is a quadruple integral in the Lamb Shift calculated?

A quadruple integral in the Lamb Shift is calculated using a combination of quantum electrodynamics (QED) and perturbation theory. This involves solving a series of complex mathematical equations that take into account the various factors that contribute to the Lamb Shift.

3. What is the significance of the Lamb Shift in physics?

The Lamb Shift is significant because it provides evidence for the existence of quantum fluctuations in the vacuum. It also helps to explain discrepancies between experimental and theoretical values for the energy levels of hydrogen atoms, and has been used to test the predictions of QED.

4. How does the Lamb Shift affect the energy levels of hydrogen atoms?

The Lamb Shift causes a small but measurable difference in the energy levels of hydrogen atoms. It causes the energy levels to split into two slightly different values, known as the 2S and 2P states. This effect is only noticeable at very high levels of precision.

5. Are there any practical applications of the Lamb Shift?

While the Lamb Shift itself does not have any direct practical applications, the theories and techniques used to calculate it have been applied in other areas of physics, such as quantum computing and high-precision measurements. The Lamb Shift also helps to improve our understanding of the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics and the behavior of atoms.

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