How to demonstrate the asymptotic charateristic of perturbative QTF Theo?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on the asymptotic nature of perturbative Quantum Field Theory (QFT), particularly regarding the error terms in asymptotic expansions and the implications of renormalization. Participants explore the mathematical and physical interpretations of these concepts within the context of QFT.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about why perturbative QFT is considered an asymptotic theory, specifically regarding the relationship between the error at order N and the (N+1)th term in the series.
  • One participant notes that while it is known in special cases that the error is of the first neglected order if the expansion parameter is sufficiently small, there are generally no guarantees for all cases.
  • Another participant emphasizes the necessity of performing calculations for specific processes in QFT, such as those in quantum electrodynamics, to understand the divergence of terms in the Taylor expansion and the role of renormalization in addressing these divergences.
  • A later reply mentions the concept of "asymptotic" or divergent series after renormalization for the S-matrix, indicating a focus on the implications of renormalization in the context of asymptotic expansions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying degrees of understanding and uncertainty regarding the asymptotic nature of perturbative QFT and the implications of renormalization. No consensus is reached on the guarantees of error terms or the broader applicability of the discussed concepts.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on the specific expansion parameter and the unresolved nature of how generalizable the results are across different scenarios in QFT.

ndung200790
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Please teach me this:
Why the perturbative QTF Theory is an asymptotic theory,because in the asymptotic expansion,the error at N order is a ''infinity small'' of order the (N+1)th term (meaning O(term(N+1)).So I wonder why we know the error at order N in perturbative QTF Theory is of approximation of (N+1)th term in the series.
Thank you very much in advanced.
 
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ndung200790 said:
Please teach me this:
Why the perturbative QTF Theory is an asymptotic theory,because in the asymptotic expansion,the error at N order is a ''infinity small'' of order the (N+1)th term (meaning O(term(N+1)).So I wonder why we know the error at order N in perturbative QTF Theory is of approximation of (N+1)th term in the series.

It is known in special cases. In general, one just hopes. The only guarantee is that
''if the expansion parameter is sufficiently small'' the error is of the first neglected order.
But usually there are no guarantees at all that for the expansion parameter of interest, this will be the case.
 
ndung200790 said:
Please teach me this:
Why the perturbative QTF Theory is an asymptotic theory,because in the asymptotic expansion,the error at N order is a ''infinity small'' of order the (N+1)th term (meaning O(term(N+1)).So I wonder why we know the error at order N in perturbative QTF Theory is of approximation of (N+1)th term in the series.
Thank you very much in advanced.

You must do the calculation for the integral describing each type of process you find within a specific quantum field theory. For example, in quantum electrodynamics, you set up all the kinds of Feynman diagram that correspond to a S-matrix perturbated above tree level: this shows you that you have fundamentally 5 types of different processes only. Three of them only are a problem: vertex correction, photon self-energy and electron self-energy: they all give integrals which diverges. What does it mean exactly? Well, when you calculate the taylor expansion, you find out that what is supposedly giving you smalller and smaller terms give you terms that are becoming extremely huge and that explode to infinity. Renormalization is the process by which we mathematically get rid off that problem. It is very well defined mathematically, and has a physical interpretaion: basically, it is equivalent to the rescaling of wavefunction renormalization appearing in the propagators involved (fermionic/electromagntic), as well as a rescaling of the mass of partices involved.
 
I mean the ''asymptotic'' (or the divergent series) after renormalization for S-matrix.
 

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