Correlation functions of spin-2 fields

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of correlation functions for spin-2 fields, as well as higher spin fields (spin-3, spin-4). Participants explore the mathematical categorization of these problems and inquire about existing studies in the field, noting the relevance of correlation functions in various scientific contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks about the general properties of 3-point, 4-point, and 5-point correlation functions for spin-2 and higher spin fields.
  • Another participant suggests a connection between correlation functions and stochastic processes, questioning whether a two spin field can be considered a 3-dimensional process.
  • A different participant defines correlation functions as measures of how strongly different quantities are correlated, stating that they do not necessarily relate to stochastic processes.
  • One participant proposes that correlation functions may relate to distributions and equates them to covariance, while expressing unfamiliarity with spin fields.
  • Another participant expresses surprise at the lack of mathematical literature on the topic, noting that most available studies are authored by natural scientists and engineers.
  • One participant comments on the tendency of mathematicians to focus on more general questions, mentioning the complexity of certain mathematical constructs like Levy processes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing levels of familiarity with correlation functions and their applications, leading to a lack of consensus on the relationship between correlation functions and stochastic processes. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the mathematical treatment of these concepts.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the potential for mathematical exploration in the area of correlation functions, but there is uncertainty regarding the extent of existing mathematical work and its applicability to the questions raised.

straybird
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
What are the general properties of 3-point correlation function of a spin-2 field?
And what about 4-point, 5-point correlation functions?
spin-3, spin-4 fields?

What mathematical category do these problems belong to? Are there any specific studies on them? (They are so widely used in science...)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Never heard of correlation functions but wikipedia suggests that they are connected to stochastic processes. It might help if you explain what you mean by all this in terms of stochastic processes. Is two spin field a 3 dimensional process?
 
A correlation function just describes how strongly are the probabilities of different quantities correlated to each other. It doesn't have to concern stochastic processes. I'm also not familiar with stochastic processes so I'm sorry I don't understand your question in the end...
 
I'm guessing quantities refer to distributions? Then isn't a correlation function just the covariance? Stochastic processes are processes that at some time t have a distribution and this distribution varies with regards to time. For example [tex]X_t[/tex] are distributed [tex]N(0,t)[/tex] which is Brownian motion with some more assumptions. Never heard of spin fields or anything like that sorry, but it sounds quite interesting. You might have more luck at the physics forum parts.
 
yes, thanks. I thought this question is a pure mathematical one. But when I searched about it, all literature I found is written by natural scientists and engineers. It made me feel strange. I thought this question is general enough to interest a mathematician. I just wonder if there's a lot of work done by mathematicians on the related field, or mathematicians are all thinking about bigger questions than this?
 
Generally mathematicians seem to tackle more general questions. Usually proving something exists without giving any indication to how it can be worked out. For example, Levy processes are infinitely divisible, but it is almost impossible to find what the divisors are. There might be some work done in it by statisticians but I really would not know. They seem to do weird stuff.
Anyways, good luck with your search :)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 74 ·
3
Replies
74
Views
6K
  • · Replies 43 ·
2
Replies
43
Views
6K