CFT charge/transformation question

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between conformal transformations in Conformal Field Theory (CFT) and quantum mechanics, specifically the commutator of conserved charges with fields. The equation presented, \(\delta_{\epsilon} \phi (z, \bar{z}) = [Q_{\epsilon}, \phi (z, \bar{z})]\), illustrates how these transformations relate to Noether's theorem. The explanation references Zee's Quantum Field Theory (QFT) book, particularly page 74, where the connection between conserved currents, charges, and symmetries in field theory is established. Understanding this relationship is crucial for grasping the foundations of CFT and its applications in string theory.

PREREQUISITES
  • Familiarity with Conformal Field Theory (CFT)
  • Understanding of Noether's theorem
  • Knowledge of quantum mechanics, particularly commutation relations
  • Basic concepts of quantum field theory (QFT)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Noether's theorem in the context of quantum field theory
  • Explore the role of conserved currents and charges in CFT
  • Read Zee's Quantum Field Theory, focusing on the sections discussing symmetries and transformations
  • Investigate the implications of commutation relations in quantum mechanics and their applications in CFT
USEFUL FOR

The discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, graduate students in physics, and researchers focusing on Conformal Field Theory and its applications in string theory.

da_willem
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Struggling my way through Conformal Field Theory before getting into strin theory I stumbled upon the following quantum mechanical relation:

\delta_{\epsilon} \phi (z, \bar{z}) = [Q_{\epsilon}, \phi (z, \bar{z})

Thus some conformal transformation in the field (with parameter epsilon) is equal to the commutator of the associated conserved charge with this field. It reminded me of the relation in QM of the time dependence of an operator and its relation to the commutator with the Hamiltonian.

Can somebody tell me how the above relation is founded in QM/Noethers theorem/CFT ?
 
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da_willem said:
Struggling my way through Conformal Field Theory before getting into strin theory I stumbled upon the following quantum mechanical relation:

\delta_{\epsilon} \phi (z, \bar{z}) = [Q_{\epsilon}, \phi (z, \bar{z})]

Thus some conformal transformation in the field (with parameter epsilon) is equal to the commutator of the associated conserved charge with this field. It reminded me of the relation in QM of the time dependence of an operator and its relation to the commutator with the Hamiltonian.

Can somebody tell me how the above relation is founded in QM/Noethers theorem/CFT ?

It is explained (briefly) at page 74 in Zee's QFT book. Very roughly you know that for a conserved current the integral over space= the charge Q, is proportional to the canonical momentum conjugate to the field. Combine this with [x,p]=i and you are there.
And so the conserved charges are the generators of symmetries in field theory.

Good luck with the CFT's, it's hard work...
 
I read your reply and the page in Zee you mentioned and now it makes sense! I already had some feeling for the relation, but to see where it comes is great, thanks! Also for the 'good luck' part, I'll need it.
 
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