Deriving Equation for Multi-Variable Case in Zee's Quantum Field Theory

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the equation for multi-variable cases in Zee's "Quantum Field Theory in a Nutshell." The key equation discussed is \(\langle x_i x_j \cdots x_k x_l \rangle = \sum_{\textrm{wick}} (A^{-1})_{ab}\cdot (A^{-1})_{cd}\), where {a,b,...,c,d} represents a permutation of indices. The integral used for derivation is \(\langle x_i x_j \cdots x_k x_l \rangle = \frac{\int d\mathbf{x} e^{1/2 \mathbf{x}^TA \mathbf{x}}x_i x_j \cdots x_k x_l}{\int d\mathbf{x} e^{1/2 \mathbf{x}^TA \mathbf{x}}}\). The solution involves differentiating the integral with respect to the vector J, leveraging the symmetry of matrix A, and applying componentwise differentiation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of matrix differentiation
  • Familiarity with symmetric matrices
  • Knowledge of Wick's theorem in quantum field theory
  • Basic concepts of Gaussian integrals
NEXT STEPS
  • Study matrix differentiation techniques in quantum field theory
  • Explore Wick's theorem applications in multi-variable cases
  • Learn about Gaussian integrals and their properties
  • Investigate the role of symmetric matrices in quantum mechanics
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Students and researchers in theoretical physics, particularly those studying quantum field theory and matrix calculus. This discussion is beneficial for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of multi-variable equations in the context of quantum mechanics.

noospace
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I've decided to slowly work my way through Zee's quantum field theory in a nutshell over the vacation. I'm confused by the second question of the book which deals with matrix differentiation.

Homework Statement



Derive the equation \langle x_i x_j \cdots x_k x_l \rangle = \sum_{\textrm{wick}} (A^{-1})_{ab}\cdot (A^{-1})_{cd} where {a,b,...,c,d} is a permutation of {i,j,...,k,l}

Homework Equations



\langle x_i x_j \cdots x_k x_l \rangle = \frac{\int d\mathbf{x} e^{1/2 \mathbf{x}^TA \mathbf{x}}x_i x_j \cdots x_k x_l}{\int d\mathbf{x} e^{1/2 \mathbf{x}^TA \mathbf{x}}}

The Attempt at a Solution



I have no trouble deriving this equation for the 1-variable case. For the multi-variable case Zee suggests repeatedly differentiating the equation

\int d\mathbf{x} e^{-1/2 \mathbf{x}^TA\mathbf{x} + J\mathbf{x}} = [(2\pi)^N /\det A]e^{(1/2) J A^{-1}J}

with respect to J. How does one differentiate wrt a matrix anyway?
 
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Doh! It just occurred to me that J is a vector and therefore we can differentiate componentwise. I still don't quite get how to prove this, however. I can show that the claim is true for small n. Is some kind of inductive argument required here??
 
I figured it out: For future knowledge, the trick is to use that the matrix A must be symmetric, and thus the derivative of the \frac{1}{2}\mathbf{x}^t A^{-1} \mathbf{x} with respect to x_i, say can be written

\sum_n (A^{-1})_{in} x_n.
 

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