Estimating size of loop integrals

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter RedX
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Integrals Loop
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on estimating the size of loop integrals in quantum field theory, specifically examining the integral expressions involving loop momenta k and q. The integrals discussed include \(\frac{1}{k^2+m^2} \frac{1}{(k+p)^2+m^2}\) and its comparison to simpler forms, as well as the implications of Wick rotation, regulation, and renormalization techniques. The finite parts of these integrals can be estimated using analytic methods after removing divergent components through renormalization. Vincent Rivasseau's book "From Perturbative to Constructive Renormalization" is highlighted as a key resource for understanding these concepts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of loop integrals in quantum field theory
  • Familiarity with Wick rotation and renormalization techniques
  • Knowledge of analytic estimates in mathematical physics
  • Comfort with Combinatorics and Graph Theory
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Vincent Rivasseau's "From Perturbative to Constructive Renormalization"
  • Learn about the process of renormalization in quantum field theory
  • Explore analytic methods for estimating finite parts of integrals
  • Investigate the implications of divergent integrals and their regulation
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, particularly those specializing in quantum field theory, as well as mathematicians interested in the applications of combinatorics and graph theory in physics.

RedX
Messages
963
Reaction score
3
Is there a way to measure how large a numerical value a loop integral will give?

For example, take this integral over loop momenta k:

[tex]\frac{1}{k^2+m^2} \frac{1}{(k+p)^2+m^2}[/tex]

How does it compare to setting p=0:

[tex]\frac{1}{k^2+m^2} \frac{1}{(k)^2+m^2}[/tex]

or to a double integral over loop momenta k and q:

[tex]\frac{1}{k^2+m^2} \frac{1}{q^2+m^2}\frac{1}{(k+q)^2+m^2}[/tex]

All I know how to do is to Wick rotate, regulate, renormalize, and I also know that [tex]\frac{1}{k^2+m^2}[/tex] should really be: [tex]\frac{1}{k^2+m^2-i\epsilon}[/tex] so that the integral over the energy component will not blow up - any blow up will be in the 3-momentum component.

But I'm not sure what's really going on with all these integrals. Some of them are infinite and you have to renormalize, and you're left with a finite part, but how to estimate the magnitude of the finite part?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Well you can remove the divergent part via renormalization and then control the remaining finite part with analytic estimates.

State of the art in this regard gets a good (though you will need to be comfortable with Combinatorics, Graph Theory and Analysis) in Vincent Rivasseau's "From perturbative to constructive Renormalization"
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K