Applicability of Furry's theorem

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the applicability of Furry's theorem in quantum field theory, specifically regarding diagrams involving two gluons and one photon. The participants confirm that the theorem holds true for both on-shell and off-shell photons and gluons when attached to a fermion loop. The presence of a fermion loop coupled to three vector current insertions (one QED and two QCD) is clarified, emphasizing that the blob representing a hadronic state does not negate the closure of the fermion line. The conclusion affirms that Furry's theorem is applicable in these scenarios, particularly in the context of time-ordered correlators of currents.

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  • Understanding of Furry's theorem in quantum field theory
  • Knowledge of quantum electrodynamics (QED) and quantum chromodynamics (QCD)
  • Familiarity with fermion loops and vector current insertions
  • Basic concepts of on-shell and off-shell particles
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  • Study the implications of Furry's theorem in quantum field theory
  • Explore the role of time-ordered correlators in particle physics
  • Investigate the properties of gluons and photons in QCD and QED
  • Learn about advanced topics in fermion loops and their interactions
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Quantum physicists, theoretical physicists, and students studying particle interactions and quantum field theory will benefit from this discussion.

CAF123
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The diagram below, together with its reversed fermion flow diagram counterpart, collectively sum to zero due to Furry's theorem. I just wanted to understand why this is the case.

1)There are two gluons and one photon attached to the internal line so this is 3 coupled vector current insertions (1 QED and 2 QCD).

2) The blob represents a hadronic state. Why does the diagram contain a fermion loop coupled to the 3 vectors? I thought the blob always stood for arbitrary complicated soft dynamics that we are naive about and just 'put under the rug' so I don't see why it necessarily must be a simple closure of the fermion line shown.
 

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I understand now the answer to the original question asked. But I was also wondering, and perhaps this is a simpler question, is Furry’s theorem applicable for both off shell and on shell photons/gluons attached to a fermion loop? Since it is usually applied at the loop level I would say yes and I don’t see any reason why not with regards to the time ordered correlator of currents definition.
 

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