Lorentz Transformation in Bjorken & Drell QFT

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the equation (14.25) from Bjorken & Drell's Quantum Field Theory (QFT), specifically involving the transformation of the gauge field operator \( A^\mu(x) \) under an infinitesimal Lorentz transformation \( \Lambda \). The unitary operator \( U(\epsilon) \) is defined as \( U(\epsilon) = 1 - \frac{i}{2}\epsilon_{\mu\nu}M^{\mu\nu} \), where \( M \) represents the generators of Lorentz transformations. The radiation gauge conditions \( A_0 = 0 \) and \( \partial_i A^i = 0 \) are applied, leading to the necessity of a gauge term to ensure the existence of conjugate momenta for \( A_0 \). The challenge lies in simultaneously transforming both the function and its argument.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lorentz transformations in quantum field theory
  • Familiarity with gauge theories and radiation gauge conditions
  • Knowledge of unitary operators and their role in quantum mechanics
  • Proficiency in tensor notation and manipulation in relativistic contexts
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Lorentz transformation properties of gauge fields in QFT
  • Explore the implications of the radiation gauge on gauge invariance
  • Investigate the role of conjugate momenta in gauge theories
  • Learn about the mathematical formalism of unitary transformations in quantum mechanics
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in theoretical physics, particularly those focusing on quantum field theory, gauge theories, and the mathematical foundations of particle physics.

Maybe_Memorie
Messages
346
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


[/B]
I'm trying to derive (14.25) in B&J QFT. This is

##U(\epsilon)A^\mu(x)U^{-1}(\epsilon) = A^\mu(x') - \epsilon^{\mu\nu}A_\nu(x') + \frac{\partial \lambda(x',\epsilon)}{\partial x'_\mu}##, where ##\lambda(x',\epsilon)## is an operator gauge function.

This is all being done in the radiation gauge, i.e. ##A_0 = 0## and ##\partial_i A^i=0##, with ##i \in {1,2,3}##.

##\epsilon## is an infinitesimal parameter of a Lorentz transformation ##\Lambda##.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



##\epsilon## is an infinitesimal parameter of a Lorentz transformation ##\Lambda##.

Under this transformation, ##A^\mu(x) \rightarrow A'^\mu(x')=U(\epsilon)A^\mu(x)U^{-1}(\epsilon)##.

The unitary operator ##U## which generates the infinitesimal Lorentz transformation

##x^{\mu} \rightarrow x'^{\mu} = x^{\mu} + \epsilon^{\mu}_{\nu}x^{\nu}## is

##U(\epsilon)=1 - \frac{i}{2}\epsilon_{\mu\nu}M^{\mu\nu}##

where ##M## are the generators of Lorentz transformations. (I guess really I should have ##M^{\mu\nu}=(M^{\rho\sigma})^{\mu\nu}##. M is a hermitian operator, so

##U^{-1}(\epsilon)=1 + \frac{i}{2}\epsilon_{\mu\nu}M^{\mu\nu}##

Now I tried writing out ##U(\epsilon)A^\mu(x)U^{-1}(\epsilon)## explicitly but it didn't really get me anywhere. The answer is supposed to have ##x'## as the argument of ##A^\mu## on the RHS but I only get ##x##. I'm not sure how to Lorentz transform the function and the argument at the same time.
Underneath the formula in B&J it says the gauge term is necessary because ##UA_0U^{-1}=0## since ##A_0=0##. I don't see why this warrants the need of a gauge term.

Edit: Oh wait, it's needed because otherwise there will be no conjugate momenta for the ##A_0##. Okay I get that, but still don't understand where the initial formula comes from.
 
Last edited:
bump
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K