How to Express Charge Q Using Creation and Annihilation Operators in QFT?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on expressing the charge Q in quantum field theory (QFT) using creation and annihilation operators. The relevant equations include the field operator φ(x) and the conjugate momentum operator π(x), which are integrated over momentum space. The charge Q is derived as Q = -i ∫ d³x (πφ - φ*π*), leading to the expression Q = -i ∫ d³p/(2π)³ (-i/2ω_p)(b_p b†_p - a†_p a_p). The challenge lies in normal ordering the operators and correctly handling the spatial integral.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum field theory (QFT) principles
  • Familiarity with creation and annihilation operators
  • Knowledge of normal ordering in quantum mechanics
  • Proficiency in handling integrals in momentum space
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the process of normal ordering in quantum field theory
  • Learn about delta functions and their role in integrals over momentum space
  • Explore the implications of charge conservation in QFT
  • Review the mathematical techniques for manipulating integrals involving multiple variables
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, quantum field theorists, and researchers working on particle physics who seek to deepen their understanding of charge expressions using operator formalism.

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Homework Statement


Express the charge Q in terms of the creation and annihilation operators.

Homework Equations


$$\phi_{(x)}=\int \dfrac {d^3 p} {(2\pi)^3} \dfrac {1} {2 \omega_p} (a_p e^{i x \cdot p} + b^{\dagger}_{p} e^{-i x \cdot p})$$
$$\pi_{(x)}=\dfrac {-i} {2}\int \dfrac {d^3 p} {(2\pi)^3} (b_p e^{i x \cdot p} - a^{\dagger}_{p} e^{-i x \cdot p})$$
$$Q=-i\int d^3 x(\pi\phi - \phi^* \pi^*)$$

The Attempt at a Solution



Hey guys, little bit stuck with the normal ordering procedure. So I've basically plugged in my expressions for pi and phi into the expression for Q and arrived at the following:
$$Q=-i \int d^3x \int \dfrac {d^3 p} {(2\pi)^3} \dfrac {-i} {2\omega_p} (b_p b^{\dagger}_p - a^{\dagger}_p a_p)$$
So I know that I shouldn't have the spatial integral, but I'm not sure how to get rid of it and I know I need to normal order the operators but I'm stuck there to :/ any guidance would be massively appreciated :)
 
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The ##p## in the integral for ##\pi## should be distinguished from the ##p## in the integral for ##\phi##. Use different symbols for these ##p##'s. Thus, the product ##\pi \phi## will be a double integral over the two different ##p##'s. The integration over ##x## is used to eliminate the exponentials and to introduce delta functions involving the two different ##p##'s. The delta functions allow you to integrate over one of the ##p##'s so that you end up with a single integral over the remaining ##p##.
 
Oh ok, thanks very much :) Looks like I have it now.
 

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