Integral over Grassmann variable in the holomorphic representation

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SUMMARY

The integral of a Grassmann variable, specifically \(\int d\theta e^{\theta(\xi-\eta)}\), evaluates to \(\delta(\xi-\eta)\) in the holomorphic representation. This conclusion arises from the properties of Grassmann numbers, where the variable \(\theta\) acts similarly to a delta function. The discussion highlights the expansion of the integral to first order in Grassmann algebra, confirming that higher-order terms vanish and reinforcing the analogy between \(\theta\) and the delta function.

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Stalafin
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Homework Statement


Show that \int d\theta e^{\theta(\xi-\eta)}=\delta(\xi-\eta),
where all of the above variable are Grassmann numbers. All this is in the holomorphic representation, where for some generic function:
f(\theta)=f_0 + f_1\theta

Homework Equations


How do I arrive at that bloody delta? As explained below, I see the analogy where theta all by itself acts like a delta function. But from there on...?

The Attempt at a Solution


Obviously, by expanding to first order according to the Grassmann algebra (all orders above the first vanish):
=\int d\theta 1+\theta(\xi-\eta) = \xi-\eta

What I do get is that the theta all by itself acts like a delta-function around 0 (taking the generic function above):
\int d\theta \theta f(\theta) = \int d\theta (f_1 + \theta f_2) = f_1 = f(0)

This we could have also written as:
\int d\theta f(\theta)\delta(\theta - 0) = f(0)

Where is the analogy?
 
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Does not

\int d\xi\ (\xi-\eta)f(\xi)=\int d\xi\ (\xi-\eta)(f_1+\xi f_2)=\int d\xi\ (\xi f_1-\eta f_1+\xi\eta f_2)=f_1+\eta f_2=f(\eta)

imply

(\xi-\eta)=\delta(\xi-\eta)?
 
Hey! Thanks for your reply. Yes, I discussed this with a friend today, and we came to the same conclusion.

Thanks!
 

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