QFT proof from Peskin and Schroeder

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion focuses on proving equation 2.33 from Peskin and Schroeder's Quantum Field Theory (QFT). The user attempts to manipulate the equation involving momentum space quantities and the operators \( a^{\dagger}_p \) and \( a_p \). Key steps include integrating over spatial coordinates, applying the delta function, and utilizing commutation relations to simplify terms. The conclusion emphasizes the need to correctly handle the signs and the relationship between \( a_{-p}^{\dagger} \) and \( a_p \) to achieve the desired result of \( 2a^{\dagger}_p a_p \).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Quantum Field Theory (QFT) principles
  • Familiarity with Peskin and Schroeder's QFT textbook
  • Knowledge of momentum space representation in QFT
  • Comprehension of operator algebra and commutation relations
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the derivation of Peskin and Schroeder equation 2.33 in detail
  • Study the properties of creation and annihilation operators in QFT
  • Learn about the implications of delta functions in momentum space integrals
  • Examine the role of commutation relations in simplifying operator expressions
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, researchers in quantum field theory, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of operator manipulations and integrals in QFT.

Norman
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I am unsure if this is the proper forum for this, since it is not actually homework... but here goes anyway.

I am trying to Prove Peskin and Schroeder equation 2.33( the second equal sign)


P=-\int d^3 x \pi (x) \nabla \phi (x) = \int \frac{d^3 x}{(2 \pi)^3} p a^{\dagger}_p a_p

so far what I have done:
written the fields as the momentum space quantities, done the integral over the spatial coordinates to give me the delta function and integrated over the p' variables to give me this:

The last step forces p'=-p

\int \frac{d^3}{(2 \pi)^3} \frac{p}{2} (a^{\dagger}_{-p} a_{-p} + a^{\dagger}_{-p} a^{\dagger}_p - a_p a_{-p} - a_p a^{\dagger}_p )

I don't see how these operators cancel out to give :
() = 2a^{\dagger}_p a_p

Any help would be greatly appreciated... even just a hint would be very helpfull.
Thanks
 
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How does a_{-p}^{\dag} relate to a_{p}? I can't remember, it was a long time ago when I did QFT. There has to be a commutation relation somewhere that will allow for combining terms.
 
I think you can cancel those 2 and 3 terms in which you only create or only destroy : they will give zero.
Then the first term, you change p to -p, and the last term you use commutation to order it right (create first, destroy after !) which switch sign. Maybe a problem with an overall constant at this last step.
Sorry, I am not rigorous. I do not have the book right here.
 
The integrals of p^i a(\vec p)a(-\vec p) and p^i a^\dagger (\vec p) a^\dagger (-\vec p) are both =0 because they are odd functions of \vec p.

Suppose that

f(-\vec p)=-f(\vec p)

Now look at this:

\int d^3p f(\vec p)=-\int_{\infty}^{-\infty}d^3q f(-\vec{q})=\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} d^3q f(-\vec q)=-\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} d^3q f(\vec q)=-\int d^3p f(\vec p)

1. Change variables, q=-p.
2. "Reverse" the integration interval.
3. Use f(-q)=-f(q).
4. Rename the integration variable to p.
5. Note that the equation is now in the form A=-A.

The same change of variables will help you deal with the first term. I think you should also check the signs in front of each term. They look wrong to me. I think they should be either -++- or +--+, but I could be wrong about that. I'm too lazy to check it carefully right now.
 
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