Commutation relations for bosons and fermions

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the commutation relations for bosons and fermions, specifically highlighting the equations for free bosons and fermions at equal times. The bosonic field operators satisfy the relation ${\varphi}_{x'}{\varphi}_{x} - {\varphi}_{x}{\varphi}_{x'} = 0$, indicating that bosons can occupy the same state. In contrast, fermionic field operators follow the relation ${\psi}_{x'}{\psi}_{x} + {\psi}_{x}{\psi}_{x'} = 0$, which enforces the Pauli exclusion principle, preventing two fermions from occupying the same state. The discussion emphasizes the physical implications of these relations in quantum field theory.

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  • Understanding of quantum field theory concepts
  • Familiarity with bosonic and fermionic operators
  • Knowledge of the Pauli exclusion principle
  • Basic mathematical proficiency in handling commutation relations
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  • Study the implications of the Pauli exclusion principle in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the mathematical derivation of bosonic and fermionic commutation relations
  • Learn about the physical significance of field operators in quantum field theory
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Physicists, quantum field theorists, and students studying particle physics who seek a deeper understanding of the behavior of bosons and fermions in quantum systems.

Higgsono
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For the free boson, the field operators satisfies the commutation relation,

$${\varphi}_{x'}{\varphi}_{x} - {\varphi}_{x}{\varphi}_{x'} = 0$$ at equal times.

While the fermions satisfies,

$${\psi}_{x'}{\psi}_{x} + {\psi}_{x}{\psi}_{x'} = 0$$ at equal times.

I interpret ##{\varphi}_{x}## and ##{\psi}_{x'}## as creating a boson and a fermion at position x and x' respectively.

But what is the physical interpretation of the commutations relations? I'm trying to relate it to the fact that fermions changes sign when any two fermions are interchanged, while bosons do not.
 
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You can't create two fermions at the same place at the same time (but I bet you already knew that). ##\psi (x) \psi (x) + \psi(x)\psi(x)=0## so ##\psi(x)\psi(x)=0##

Bosons, on the other hand, "like" to be in the same state.
 
Gene Naden said:
You can't create two fermions at the same place at the same time (but I bet you already knew that). ##\psi (x) \psi (x) + \psi(x)\psi(x)=0## so ##\psi(x)\psi(x)=0##

Bosons, on the other hand, "like" to be in the same state.

They are not created at the same place. Did you notice the prime on the x's`?
 
But ##x## and ##x^\prime## are arbitrary. They can be equal. When they are equal then they are created at the same place. So that is part of the physical meaning: they cannot be created at the same place. The commutation and anti-commutation relations reflect the Pauli principle, I believe.

Anyway, the full relation is ##\psi(x)\psi(x^\prime)+\psi(x^\prime)\psi(x)=\delta(x-x^\prime)## so that reflects equality of ##x## and ##x^\prime##
 

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