Computing amplitude for divergent loop diagrams?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around computing the amplitude for a divergent triangle loop diagram in quantum field theory, specifically focusing on the cross-section involving fermions with zero and negative charge. Participants are exploring the integration involved in the amplitude calculation and its dependence on kinematic parameters and masses.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents an integral form for the amplitude calculation involving a divergent triangle loop and seeks assistance in expressing it in terms of kinematic parameters and masses.
  • Another participant questions if there is a specific part the first participant is struggling with and mentions the simplicity of the integral in quantum field theory, while expressing discomfort in doing the work for them.
  • A third participant reiterates the initial query about how to perform the integral and mentions having the textbook "Peskin & Schroeder" available for reference.
  • A later reply points out the omission of an ##i \epsilon## term in the denominator and the need for external wave functions, suggesting that the participant should consider specific spin components and polarizations or perform a sum/average over them. They also recommend consulting specific pages in "Peskin & Schroeder" for detailed examples.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding and comfort with the integral calculation, and there is no consensus on the best approach to take. Some participants provide corrections and additional considerations, but the discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific method to compute the amplitude.

Contextual Notes

There are references to specific terms and components that may be necessary for the calculation, such as the ##i \epsilon## term and external wave functions, which have not been fully integrated into the initial query. The discussion also highlights the reliance on the textbook for guidance on standard integration techniques.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and researchers in quantum field theory, particularly those working on loop diagrams and amplitude calculations involving fermions.

Ramtin123
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I am trying to compute the cross-section for the diagram below with a divergent triangle loop:
Divergent_diag.png


where ##X^0## and ##X^-## are some fermions with zero and negative charge respectively. I am interested in low energy limits, so you can consider W-propagator as ##\frac {i\eta_{\mu\nu}} {M_w^2}##.

When computing the amplitude, you end of with an integration of the form:

$$ \int \frac {k_\mu \gamma^\mu +m_-} {k^2 -m_-^2} \frac {d^4 k} {(2\pi)^4} $$

where ##m_-## is mass of ##X^-##.

Any ideas how to find the amplitude in terms of kinematic parameters, masses etc?
 

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Is there a particular part you're stuck on? What textbook(s) are you using? This is a rather simple integral as far as QFT goes, but I don't feel comfortable doing the work for you.
 
My first question is how to do this integral?
I have Peskin & Schroeder at hand.
 
Ramtin123 said:
I am trying to compute the cross-section for the diagram below with a divergent triangle loop:
View attachment 231247

where ##X^0## and ##X^-## are some fermions with zero and negative charge respectively. I am interested in low energy limits, so you can consider W-propagator as ##\frac {i\eta_{\mu\nu}} {M_w^2}##.

When computing the amplitude, you end of with an integration of the form:

$$ \int \frac {k_\mu \gamma^\mu +m_-} {k^2 -m_-^2} \frac {d^4 k} {(2\pi)^4} $$

where ##m_-## is mass of ##X^-##.

Any ideas how to find the amplitude in terms of kinematic parameters, masses etc?
You are missing a term ##i \epsilon ## in the denominator. You also forgot the external wave functions. Depending on what you want to calculate, you will either choose certain spin components and polarizations for the external states or you will have to do a sum/average over them. For the integration, it is standard. Look in P&S on pages 189-196 (section 6.3) for detailed examples.
 
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