Conservation of Noether charge for complex scalar field

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SUMMARY

The Noether charge for a complex scalar field, defined as ##Q=\frac{i}{2}\int\ d^{3}x\ (\phi^{*}\pi^{*}-\phi\pi)##, is proven to be a constant in time under the Klein-Gordon action. The time derivative of the Noether charge, calculated as ##\frac{dQ}{dt}##, simplifies to an expression involving the second time derivatives of the fields, confirming that ##Q## remains invariant. The analysis relies on the relationship ##\pi=\dot{\phi}^{*}## and the assumption that fields vanish at infinity, ensuring no contributions from boundary terms.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Noether's theorem and its application to field theory.
  • Familiarity with complex scalar fields and the Klein-Gordon action.
  • Knowledge of canonical momentum defined as ##\pi=\dot{\phi}^{*}##.
  • Basic skills in performing integrals over three-dimensional space.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of Noether's theorem in different field theories.
  • Explore the derivation and applications of the Klein-Gordon equation.
  • Learn about conserved quantities in quantum field theory.
  • Investigate boundary conditions in field theory and their effects on physical observables.
USEFUL FOR

The discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, graduate students in physics, and anyone studying quantum field theory, particularly those interested in conservation laws and symmetries in complex scalar fields.

spaghetti3451
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Homework Statement



Prove that the Noether charge ##Q=\frac{i}{2}\int\ d^{3}x\ (\phi^{*}\pi^{*}-\phi\pi)## for a complex scalar field (governed by the Klein-Gordon action) is a constant in time.

Homework Equations



##\pi=\dot{\phi}^{*}##

The Attempt at a Solution



##\frac{dQ}{dt}=\frac{i}{2}\int\ d^{3}x\ \frac{d}{dt}(\phi^{*}\pi^{*}-\phi\pi)##

##=\frac{i}{2}\int\ d^{3}x\ (\dot{\phi}^{*}\pi^{*}+\phi^{*}\dot{\pi}^{*}-\dot{\phi}\pi-\phi\dot{\pi})##

##=\frac{i}{2}\int\ d^{3}x\ (\pi\pi^{*}+\phi^{*}\ddot{\phi}-\pi^{*}\pi-\phi\ddot{\phi}^{*})##

##=\frac{i}{2}\int\ d^{3}x\ (\phi^{*}\ddot{\phi}-\phi\ddot{\phi}^{*})##.

What do I do next?
 
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failexam said:

Homework Statement


Prove that the Noether charge ##Q=\frac{i}{2}\int\ d^{3}x\ (\phi^{*}\pi^{*}-\phi\pi)## for a complex scalar field (governed by the Klein-Gordon action) is a constant in time.
and the fact that there is no interesting physics at infinity (i.e. the fields and whatnot vanish)
 
Got it!

Thanks!
 

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