An integral with a delta-function

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the evaluation of the integral involving a delta function as presented in David Tong's notes on Quantum Field Theory (QFT). The equation under scrutiny is the integral of the delta function, specifically ∫ d^4 p · δ(p^2_0 - vec{p}^2 - m^2) |_{p_0>0}, which simplifies to ∫ d^3 p / (2 p_0) |_{p_0=E_{vec{p}}}. The participant's calculations reveal a discrepancy leading to an infinite result, prompting a clarification on the definition and dimensionality of the delta function in this context. The identity δ(f(x)) = δ(x-x_0) / |f'(x_0)| is identified as crucial for resolving the issue.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Quantum Field Theory (QFT)
  • Familiarity with delta functions and their properties
  • Knowledge of four-vector notation and integrals in physics
  • Basic calculus, particularly regarding derivatives and integrals
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  • Study the properties of delta functions in multiple dimensions
  • Learn about the role of delta functions in Quantum Field Theory
  • Explore the implications of integrating over four-vectors in QFT
  • Review the derivation and applications of the identity δ(f(x)) = δ(x-x_0) / |f'(x_0)|
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This discussion is beneficial for physicists, particularly those specializing in Quantum Field Theory, as well as students and researchers looking to deepen their understanding of delta functions and their applications in theoretical physics.

Haorong Wu
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TL;DR
How to calculate this integral?
It is from David Tong's note for QFT. The equation states
##\left . \int d^4 p \cdot \delta \left ( p^2_0 -{\vec p}^2 -m^2 \right ) \right | _{p_0>0} =\left . \int \frac {d^3 p} {2 p_0} \right |_{p_0=E_{\vec p}}##
where ##p## is a 4-vector ##p=\left ( p_0, \vec p \right )##.

In my calculation, I get
##\left . \int d^4 p \cdot \delta \left ( p^2_0 -{\vec p}^2 -m^2 \right ) \right | _{p_0>0} =\left . \int d^3 p \int d p_0 \cdot \delta \left ( p^2_0 -{\vec p}^2 -m^2 \right ) \right | _{p_0>0}=\left . \int d^3 p \cdot 1 \right | _{p_0>0}=1## or
##\left . \int d^4 p \cdot \delta \left ( p^2_0 -{\vec p}^2 -m^2 \right ) \right | _{p_0>0} =\left . \int d^3 p \int d p_0 \cdot \delta^{\left ( 3 \right )} \left ( p^2_0 -{\vec p}^2 -m^2 \right ) \delta ^{\left ( 1 \right )}\left ( p^2_0 -{\vec p}^2 -m^2 \right ) \right | _{p_0>0}=\left . \int d^3 p \cdot \delta^{\left ( 3 \right )} \left ( 0 \right ) \right | _{p_0>0}## which is infinite.

Maybe I get a wrong definition for the delta function in this integral? What is the dimension of the delta function in this integral?
 
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The key to this is the identity
$$\delta \left(f(x)\right)=\frac{\delta(x-x_0)}{\left| f'(x_0)\right|}$$
where ##x_0## is a zero of f(x). In this case, ##f(x)=x^2 - x_0^2##, ##x=p_0##, and ##x_0=\sqrt{\vec{p}^2+m^2}=E_{\vec{p}}##. This gives me the correct answer.
 
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Isaac0427 said:
The key to this is the identity
$$\delta \left(f(x)\right)=\frac{\delta(x-x_0)}{\left| f'(x_0)\right|}$$
where ##x_0## is a zero of f(x). In this case, ##f(x)=x^2 - x_0^2##, ##x=p_0##, and ##x_0=\sqrt{\vec{p}^2+m^2}=E_{\vec{p}}##. This gives me the correct answer.
Oh, thanks, @Isaac0427 .
 

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