Loop Integral Form: Finding a Workable Solution without Regularization

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the calculation of a divergent integral resembling a loop integral, specifically the form \(\int_x^{\infty}du \frac{u^2}{\omega - u}\). Participants explore potential methods for evaluating this integral without regularization, considering its application in a conductivity calculation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes the integral is divergent and seeks a workable form without introducing a cutoff.
  • Another participant suggests that if the integral is a contour integral, it could be evaluated on the complex plane around the pole at \(u=\omega\).
  • A participant mentions the integral's context in a conductivity calculation, indicating the presence of an imaginary convergence factor in the denominator.
  • There is a discussion about whether the integral can be evaluated as a standard contour integral rather than requiring complex quantum field theory (QFT) loop integral forms.
  • One participant states that the integral converges in the Cauchy Principal Value sense, providing an example of this evaluation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the integral is divergent, but there are competing views on how to approach its evaluation, particularly regarding the use of contour integration and the necessity of regularization techniques.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the construction of the integral and its specific context within the conductivity calculation. The discussion does not clarify whether the proposed methods will yield a finite answer under the stated conditions.

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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