Do Vector and Axial Vector Currents Satisfy These Equations?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving that the vector current \(\vec{V}^\mu = \overline{\psi} \gamma^\mu \vec{T} \psi\) and the axial vector current \(\vec{A}^\mu = \overline{\psi} \gamma^\mu \gamma_5 \vec{T} \psi\) satisfy the equations \(\partial_\mu \vec{V}^\mu = i\overline{\psi}[M,\vec{T}] \psi\) and \(\partial_\mu \vec{A}^\mu = i\overline{\psi}\{M,\vec{T}\}\gamma_5 \psi\). The discussion emphasizes the use of Dirac's equation and the properties of the mass matrix \(M\), which is diagonal and contains quark masses. The participants clarify the distinction between commutators and anticommutators, as well as the implications of commuting matrices in flavor and spinor spaces.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Dirac's equation for spinors
  • Familiarity with vector and axial vector currents in quantum field theory
  • Knowledge of commutators and anticommutators in quantum mechanics
  • Basic concepts of flavor space and mass matrices in particle physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of Dirac's equation in quantum field theory
  • Explore the role of commutators and anticommutators in particle interactions
  • Learn about the properties of mass matrices in flavor space
  • Investigate the mathematical structure of vector and axial vector currents
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Students and researchers in theoretical physics, particularly those focusing on quantum field theory, particle physics, and the mathematical formulation of currents in gauge theories.

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Homework Statement


I have to show that the vector current [tex]\vec{V}^\mu = \overline{\psi} \gamma^\mu \vec{T} \psi[/tex] and the vector axial current [tex]\vec{A}^\mu = \overline{\psi} \gamma^\mu \gamma_5\vec{T} \psi[/tex] satisfy this

[tex] \partial_\mu \vec{V}^\mu = i\overline{\psi}[M,\vec{T}] \psi <br /> [/tex][tex] \partial_\mu \vec{A}^\mu = i\overline{\psi}\{M,\vec{T}\}\gamma_5 \psi[/tex]

The brackets are commutators and the braces are anticommutators

Homework Equations


Dirac's equation for [tex]\psi[/tex] and [tex]\overline{\psi}[/tex]. Also, M is a mass matrix because [tex]\psi[/tex] is extended to a vector in flavor space and M is a diagonal matrix (entries are the quark masses). T are the pauli matrices divided by 2 and we are working only with two flavors. The column vector [tex]\psi[/tex] contains two entries then, and each of these are a 4-component Dirac spinor.

The Attempt at a Solution


Using Dirac's equations:
[tex] \overline{\psi}(i\gamma^\mu\stackrel{\leftarrow}{\partial_\mu} + M) &=& 0 [/tex]
[tex] \partial_\mu\overline{\psi} \gamma^\mu &=& i\overline{\psi}M[/tex]

[tex] (i\gamma^\mu{\partial_\mu} + M)\psi &=& 0 <br /> [/tex]
[tex] \gamma^\mu\partial_\mu{\psi} &=& -iM{\psi}<br /> [/tex]
when we replace it in the gradient [tex]\partial_\mu \vec{V}^\mu[/tex]

[tex] \partial_\mu \vec{V}^\mu = \partial_\mu\overline{\psi} \gamma^\mu \vec{T} \psi + \overline{\psi}\gamma^\mu\vec{T}\partial_\mu \psi[/tex]there's no problem substituting [tex]\partial_\mu\overline{\psi} \gamma^\mu = i\overline{\psi}M[/tex] in the first term of this last gradient but for the second term i don't get [tex]\gamma^\mu\partial_\mu{\psi}[/tex] but rather [tex]\gamma^\mu\vec{T}\partial_\mu \psi[/tex] which differ just by commuting [tex]\vec{T}[/tex] and [tex]\gamma^\mu[/tex]

Same applies to [tex]\partial_\mu\vec{A}^\mu[/tex]
 
Physics news on Phys.org
T is a matrix in flavor space. The gammas are matrices in spinor space. I.e. their indices are of different types. You can commute them.
 

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