Commutation of Vector-Potential and Field-Operator

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the commutation relations between the field operator \(\Psi\) and the vector potential \(\vec{A(\vec{r})}\). Participants explore the implications of these commutation relations within the context of quantum field theory, particularly focusing on the nature of the fields involved and their interactions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Abby questions why the field operator \(\Psi\) and the vector potential \(\vec{A(\vec{r})}\) commute, as noted in her lecture notes.
  • One participant suggests that if \(\Psi\) is a different field than \(\vec{A}\), such as a Dirac field or a scalar field, then it commutes with \(\vec{A}\) according to standard quantization rules.
  • Another participant provides a detailed expression for the field operator \(\Psi^{\dagger}\), indicating it creates a particle at a specific location, and presents the vector potential \(\vec{A(\vec{x})}\) as creating a photon with certain properties.
  • There is a question raised about whether the particle created by \(\Psi^{\dagger}\) is a photon or another type of particle, indicating uncertainty about the nature of the fields involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of the fields and their commutation properties. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of the commutation and the types of particles involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not clarify the assumptions regarding the types of fields or the conditions under which the commutation holds, leaving some aspects of the discussion open to interpretation.

Abigale
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Hello,

I am thinking for some hours about the commutation of the field-Operator/(annihilation-Operator): [itex]\Psi[/itex] and the vector-potential: [itex]\vec{A(\vec{r})}[/itex].

I have noticed in my lecture notes that [itex]\vec{A(\vec{r})}\Psi = \Psi\vec{A(\vec{r})}[/itex].

But I don't understand why they commute?


Thank u!
Abby
 
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What is [itex]\Psi[/itex]? If it is a different field than [itex]\vec A[/itex] (such as a Dirac field or a scalar field), then it commutes with [itex]\vec A[/itex] by the usual quantization rules.
 
So this field-operator [itex]\Psi ^{\dagger}[/itex] creates a particle located at point [itex]\vec{x}[/itex]:

$$\Psi ^{\dagger} (\vec {x}) :=\sum_{\lambda} <\lambda|\vec{x}> a^{\dagger} _{\lambda}$$


And this Operator [itex]\vec{A(\vec{x})}[/itex] (Vector-Potential) creates a photon with momentum [itex]\hbar \vec K[/itex] an polarisation [itex]\hat{e_{\vec{K},\lambda}}[/itex]:

$$\vec{A(\vec{x})} :=\sqrt{\frac{2 \pi \hbar c^2}{r}}

\sum_{\vec{K},\lambda}

\frac{\hat{e_{\vec{K},\lambda}}}{\sqrt{c |k|} }
\cdot
\lbrace e^{i\vec{K} \vec{x}} a^{\dagger} _{\vec{K},\lambda}
+
e^{-i\vec{K} \vec{x}} a _{\vec{K},\lambda}
\rbrace
$$



So why can I say that both operators commute?


Thank u!
 
Is the particle created by [itex]\Psi^\dagger[/itex] a photon, or is it some other kind of particle?
 

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