Dimensional Regularization in Peskin

In summary, the conversation discusses difficulties in understanding dimensional regularization with Peskin and the unclear transitions. The general expression for the d-dimensional integral is given on page 250, but in equation 7.84, there are additional terms involving the logarithm function when d approaches 4. To solve this, the fact that ##a^b = \exp(b \ln a)## is used to expand the exponent in ##\epsilon##, resulting in a linear term proportional to the logs. This term is then multiplied by the ##1/\epsilon## dependence from the gamma function, giving a constant term in ##\epsilon##.
  • #1
gobbles
17
1

Homework Statement


I'm trying to understand dimensional regularization with Peskin. There is a transitions that is not clear.

Homework Equations


On page 250, the general expression for the d-dimensional integral is given:
##\int \frac{d^d l_E}{(2\pi)^d}\frac{1}{(l_E^2+\Delta)^2}=\frac{1}{(4\pi)^{d/2}}\frac{\Gamma(2-\frac{d}{2})}{\Gamma(2)}\left(\frac{1}{\Delta}\right)^{2-\frac{d}{2}}##.
So far everything is clear. But then, in 7.84 he writes
##\int \frac{d^d l_E}{(2\pi)^d}\frac{1}{(l_E^2+\Delta)^2}\rightarrow\frac{1}{(4\pi)^2}\left(\frac{2}{\epsilon}-\log\Delta-\gamma+\log(4\pi)+\mathcal{O}(\epsilon)\right),##
when ##d\rightarrow4##.

The Attempt at a Solution


I understand where the ##\frac{2}{\epsilon}## and ##-\gamma## factors come from, but where did the terms involving the logarithm function came from? Even if I take the eventual integration over the Feynman parameters into account I don't get the correct answer.
 
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  • #2
Use the fact that ##a^b = \exp(b \ln a)## and expand the exponent in ##\epsilon##. This gives a linear term proportional to the logs, which will be multiplied by the ##1/\epsilon## dependence from the gamma function and therefore give a term constant in ##\epsilon##.
 
  • #3
Thank you! Haven't thought of going that way.
 

1. What is dimensional regularization in Peskin?

Dimensional regularization is a mathematical technique used in quantum field theory to deal with divergent integrals that arise in calculations. It involves extending the number of dimensions in the integral from the usual 4 (3 space and 1 time) to a higher number, typically 4+ε, where ε is a small positive parameter. This allows for the cancellation of divergences and results in finite, well-defined integrals.

2. Why is dimensional regularization used in Peskin?

Dimensional regularization is used in Peskin because it provides a consistent and systematic way to handle divergent integrals in quantum field theory calculations. It also preserves important symmetries, such as gauge symmetry, which can be broken in other methods of regularization.

3. How does dimensional regularization differ from other regularization methods?

Dimensional regularization differs from other regularization methods, such as cutoff regularization or Pauli-Villars regularization, in that it does not introduce a cutoff or regulator scale. Instead, it extends the integral to higher dimensions, allowing for the cancellation of divergences without breaking important symmetries.

4. What are the advantages of using dimensional regularization?

One of the main advantages of dimensional regularization is that it is a consistent and powerful method for dealing with divergent integrals in quantum field theory. It also preserves important symmetries and does not introduce a regulator scale, which can complicate calculations and interpretation of results. Additionally, it has been shown to give physically meaningful results in a variety of scenarios.

5. Are there any drawbacks to using dimensional regularization?

One potential drawback of dimensional regularization is that it can be more mathematically involved and technically challenging compared to other regularization methods. It also requires the use of analytical continuation, which may not be intuitive for some scientists. Additionally, there are certain situations, such as in non-perturbative calculations, where dimensional regularization may not be applicable.

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