A question about Lorentz invariance for Klein-Gordon field

In summary, the conversation discusses the transformation of the derivative part of the Klein-Gordon field in Peskin & Schroeder. The transformation only applies to the field itself, not the coordinate system, which is why the transformed field is written as the original field evaluated at the inverse of the transformation. This means that the Lorentz transformation should not be included in the transformed derivative.
  • #1
Comanche
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Homework Statement



Hi everyone, in Peskin & Schroeder, P36, the derivative part of KG field is transformed as eqn (3.3). But why does the partial derivative itself not transform?

Homework Equations



[tex] \partial_{\mu} \phi (x) \rightarrow \partial_{\mu} ( \phi ( \Lambda^{-1} x) ) = ( \Lambda^{-1})^{\nu}_{\mu} (\partial_{\nu} \phi ) (\Lambda^{-1} x) [/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I thought the transformation was

[tex] \partial_{\mu} \phi (x) \rightarrow \Lambda^{\nu}_{\mu} \partial_{\nu} ( \phi ( \Lambda^{-1} x) ) =
\Lambda^{\nu}_{\mu}
( \Lambda^{-1})^{\lambda}_{\nu} (\partial_{\lambda} \phi ) (\Lambda^{-1} x) ? [/tex]

Thank you~
 
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  • #2
Peskin & Schroeder are using an active transformation (not passive) which is why the transformed field is [itex]\phi ( \Lambda^{-1} x)[/itex] and not [itex]\phi ( \Lambda x)[/itex].
Only the field is transformed - not the coordinate system. This means the Lorentz transformation you introduce should not be there. I assume you put that in there because you believed the the partial derivative should transform.

Hope this helps!
 
Last edited:

1. What is Lorentz invariance?

Lorentz invariance is a fundamental principle in physics that states that the laws of physics should remain the same for all observers in different inertial frames of reference. This means that the physical laws governing a system should not change when viewed from different perspectives or when the system is moving at a constant velocity.

2. How does Lorentz invariance relate to the Klein-Gordon field?

The Klein-Gordon field is a quantum field theory that describes a scalar particle, such as the Higgs boson. It is based on the principles of special relativity, which includes Lorentz invariance. This means that the equations governing the Klein-Gordon field must be invariant under Lorentz transformations, ensuring that the theory is consistent with the principles of relativity.

3. Why is Lorentz invariance important in physics?

Lorentz invariance is important because it allows for the development of consistent and accurate theories of physics that can be applied in all inertial frames of reference. It also provides a framework for understanding the behavior of particles at high velocities, as predicted by the theory of special relativity.

4. Can Lorentz invariance be violated?

There is currently no evidence to suggest that Lorentz invariance can be violated. It has been extensively tested in a wide range of experiments and has been found to hold true. However, some theories, such as loop quantum gravity, propose modifications to Lorentz invariance at very small scales, but these ideas are still highly speculative.

5. What are the implications of Lorentz invariance for our understanding of the universe?

Lorentz invariance is a fundamental principle that is crucial for our understanding of the laws of physics and how the universe works. It allows us to make accurate predictions and develop theories that can be applied universally. Without Lorentz invariance, our understanding of the universe would be significantly limited and many of our modern technologies, such as GPS systems, would not function properly.

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