Generating functional (or partition function)

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between the spacetime translation operator and the partition function in quantum field theory, specifically referencing Di Francesco's "CFT". The operator 'A' is identified as the translation operator, expressed as exp(iPa), where P represents the four-momentum vector operator and 'a' is a constant four-vector. The partition function is typically defined as Tr[exp(-beta H)], indicating that the translation operator corresponds to a time translation by beta, with the only difference being a factor of i.

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  • Understanding of quantum field theory concepts
  • Familiarity with partition functions in statistical mechanics
  • Knowledge of operators in quantum mechanics
  • Basic grasp of four-momentum and spacetime translations
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  • Study the derivation of partition functions in quantum field theory
  • Explore the role of the translation operator in quantum mechanics
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This discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, quantum field theorists, and advanced students studying statistical mechanics and operator theory.

crackjack
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I am reading a book (Di Francesco's "CFT", pg 337) in which it is given that if we take the operator that translates the system along some direction (which is a combination of time and space) as 'A', then the partition function is just trace(A).
How do we get this?
 
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Any one?
 
I don't have that book, but the spacetime translation operator is exp(iPa), where P is the four-momentum vector operator, and a is a constant four-vector (that you are translating by). The partition function is usually Tr[exp(-beta H)]. So except for a factor of i, this is the translation operator with a translation in the time direction by beta.
 

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