Loop Integral Form: Finding a Workable Solution without Regularization

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on evaluating a divergent loop integral of the form \(\int_x^{\infty}du \frac{u^2}{\omega - u}\). The participants confirm the integral's divergence and explore regularization techniques to obtain a finite result. They suggest evaluating the integral as a contour integral in the complex plane, particularly focusing on the pole at \(u=\omega\). The conversation highlights the importance of the integral's context, especially in conductivity calculations, and the potential use of the Cauchy Principal Value for convergence.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of loop integrals in quantum field theory
  • Familiarity with contour integration and complex analysis
  • Knowledge of regularization techniques in mathematical physics
  • Experience with Cauchy Principal Value concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Research contour integration techniques in complex analysis
  • Study regularization methods for divergent integrals
  • Learn about Cauchy Principal Value and its applications
  • Explore conductivity calculations in quantum field theory contexts
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Physicists, mathematicians, and students working on quantum field theory, particularly those dealing with loop integrals and regularization techniques.

DeathbyGreen
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Hi,

I'm trying to calculate an integral which looks unfortunately divergent. The structure is similar to a loop integral but the appendix in the Peskin textbook didn't have a useable form. The integral form is (I did a u substitution to make it easier to look at)

<br /> \int_x^{\infty}du \frac{u^2}{\omega - u}<br />

Does anyone know of a workable form for this? Introducing a cutoff is possible but I would prefer not to.

Edit: I know that it is divergent. I was hoping for some sort of regularization technique which would allow for a finite answer under certain conditions.
Thank you!
 
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Yes, the integral is divergent as stated. What is the context of this problem? The title says this is a loop integral. If this is indeed a contour integral, then it can be evaulated on the complex plane about the pole at ##u=w##.
 
The integral occurs in a conductivity calculation I'm working through, it has a imaginary convergence factor in the denominator which I didn't write. So you think I could evaluate this as a standard contour and not need the fancy QFT loop integral forms?
 
It depends on what you are trying to evaluate. Without seeing the problem, I am not sure if the integral has been constructed correctly. If your goal is to evaluate a closed line integral, then the integral is zero if the loop does not enclose the pole and is ##2\pi i\text{Res}(f)## if it encloses the pole.
 
The integral converges in the Cauchy Principal Valued sense. For example:

##\text{P.V.}\displaystyle\int_0^2 \frac{z^2}{1-z}dz=-4##
 
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