How to know the number of Feynman diagrams for a given order?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on calculating the number of Feynman diagrams for fermion interactions at specific orders. For first-order calculations involving the two-point Green's function, there are 2 distinct connected diagrams after accounting for contractions and double counting. In the second-order case, the initial calculation suggests 20 connected diagrams, but upon verification with Fetter & Walecka, only 10 distinct connected diagrams are confirmed. The discrepancy highlights the complexity of accurately counting diagrams in quantum field theory.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Feynman diagrams and their role in quantum field theory.
  • Familiarity with the two-point Green's function in fermionic systems.
  • Knowledge of operator contractions and their significance in diagram calculations.
  • Experience with the concepts of connected and disconnected diagrams.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the methodology for calculating Feynman diagrams in quantum field theory.
  • Learn about the role of operator contractions in diagrammatic expansions.
  • Investigate the techniques for avoiding double counting in diagram calculations.
  • Review Fetter & Walecka's approach to Feynman diagrams for verification methods.
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, particularly those specializing in quantum field theory, students studying particle interactions, and researchers involved in theoretical physics who require a deeper understanding of Feynman diagram calculations.

pines-demon
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Let's say we want to calculate the two-point Green's function for a fermion to a given order for a two particle interaction of the form ##U(x,y)=U(y,x)##. For the first order calculation we have to do all contractions related to
$$\mathcal{T}[\psi^\dagger_\mu(x_1)\psi^\dagger_\lambda(x_1')\psi_{\lambda'}(x_1')\psi_{\mu'}(x_1)\psi_\alpha(x)\psi^\dagger_\beta(y) ]$$
we have three daggered operators and three-undaggered, so we have 3!=6 possible contractions However there are 2! possible unconnected diagrams. That leaves us with 4 diagrams, but they are repeated, so we have to divide by two to avoid double counting. That means that there are only connected 2 diagrams for order 1.

What about order 2? I was proceeding the same way, we have 5! possible diagrams, when the two interactions are not connected then we have to remove 4!. Also when a single interaction is disconnected, we have 4 possible configurations (per first order), multiplied by 2 to account for the two possible disconnected diagrams. That leaves 80 diagrams, however if we account for double counting twice (there are two interactions), we have 20 connected diagrams.

However when drawing them altogether (and confirming with Fetter&Walecka) there are just 10 distinct connected diagrams. So where did I go wrong here? In general, is there an easy way to count them all for a given order?
 
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