Functional Quantization of Scalar Fields

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the transition between equations 9.26 and 9.27 in Peskin and Schroeder's text, specifically addressing the origin of the term \(\frac{-iV}{m^2-k_{m}^2-i\epsilon}\). Two cases are analyzed: when \(k_l = k_m\) resulting in a zero integral, and when \(k_l = -k_m\) leading to a nonzero integral. The evaluation of the Gaussian integral reveals the numerator's structure, emphasizing the significance of the factor in question. Understanding this transition is crucial for grasping functional quantization of scalar fields.

PREREQUISITES
  • Familiarity with quantum field theory concepts, particularly scalar fields.
  • Understanding of Gaussian integrals and their applications in physics.
  • Knowledge of Peskin and Schroeder's "An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory".
  • Basic proficiency in complex analysis, especially in handling terms like \(i\epsilon\).
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Gaussian integrals in quantum field theory.
  • Explore the implications of the \(i\epsilon\) prescription in propagators.
  • Review section 9.2 of Peskin and Schroeder for deeper insights into functional quantization.
  • Investigate the role of momentum space in scalar field theory.
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, graduate students in quantum field theory, and researchers focusing on scalar field quantization will benefit from this discussion.

maverick280857
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Hi everyone,

I'm reading section 9.2 of Peskin and Schroeder, and have trouble understanding the origin of a term in the transition from equation 9.26 to 9.27. Specifically, equation 9.26 is

\frac{1}{V^2}\sum_{m,l}e^{-(k_m\cdot x_1 + k_l\cdot x_2)}\left(\prod_{k_{n}^{0}>0}\int d \Re \phi_{n}d \Im \phi_{n}\right)\times (\Re \phi_m + i\Im \phi_m)(\Re \phi_n + i\Im \phi_n)\times\exp{\left[-\frac{i}{V}\sum_{k_{n}^{0}>0}(m^2-k_{n}^2)\left[(\Re \phi_n)^2 + (\Im \phi_n)^2\right]\right]}

This splits into two cases:

Case 1: k_l = k_m, when the integral is zero.
Case 2: k_l = -k_m, when the integral is nonzero.

So, evaluating the Gaussian integral one gets

\mbox{Numerator} = \frac{1}{V^2}\sum_{m,l}e^{-(k_m\cdot x_1 + k_l\cdot x_2)}\left(\prod_{k_{n}^{0}>0}\frac{-i\pi V}{m^2 - k_{n}^2}\right)\frac{-iV}{m^2-k_{m}^2-i\epsilon}

Where does the factor

\frac{-iV}{m^2-k_{m}^2-i\epsilon}

come from? I know this is like \int x^2 e^{-x^2}dx, but I can't seem to get this factor.)
 
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