LSZ formula and Field Strength renormalization factor

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the application of the Field Strength renormalization factor, denoted as ##Z_\psi = 1 + \delta_\psi##, in calculating scattering amplitudes in Quantum Electrodynamics (QED). Specifically, for a 2 to 2 scattering process, the correct approach involves multiplying the sum of the amplitudes by ##\sqrt{Z_\psi}## for each external leg, leading to the formula ##Z_\psi^2(A_1 + A_2 + ... + A_n)##. Participants confirm that when computing the scattering amplitude for the process ##e^- \mu^- \to e^- \mu^-##, one must include various diagrams, including tree-level and loop diagrams, along with counterterm diagrams, all multiplied by ##Z_\psi^2##. Reference to Bjorken and Drell Vol. 2 is recommended for further clarification.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Quantum Electrodynamics (QED)
  • Familiarity with scattering amplitudes and Feynman diagrams
  • Knowledge of renormalization concepts in quantum field theory
  • Basic proficiency in using the Bjorken and Drell textbook series
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the role of renormalization factors in quantum field theory
  • Learn about Feynman diagram techniques for calculating scattering amplitudes
  • Explore the implications of counterterms in QED calculations
  • Review Bjorken and Drell Vol. 2 for detailed examples and explanations
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Physicists, particularly those specializing in quantum field theory, theoretical physicists working on particle interactions, and students seeking to deepen their understanding of QED and renormalization techniques.

Luca_Mantani
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Hi all,
I have doubts on the role of the Field Strength renormalization ##Z_\psi=1+\delta_\psi## when computing amplitudes. I never did this, maybe because it was not needed before, but i noticed that in the solution of a specific problem, to obtain the correct result, you need to multiply the sum of the amplitudes by ##\sqrt{Z_\psi}## for every external leg. So it seems that the correct formula, for a 2 to 2 scattering for example, is:
$$Z_\psi^2(A_1+A_2+ ... + A_n)$$
where ##A_i## are all the possible connected and amputed diagrams and they also include all the countertems diagrams, is that right?

So to be clear, if i have to compute scattering amplitude in QED for ##e^- \mu^- \to e^- \mu^- ## i sum the tree level diagram with the fermions exchanging a photon, the diagrams with the loop in the vertex, the diagram with the loop in the photon, the diagram with the counterterm for the vertex and the diagram with the counterterm for the photon self-energy. Then i multiply everything for ##Z_\psi^2##.

Is that right?
 
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Yes, that's right. Have a look at Bjorken, Drell Vol. 2, where this is discussed with some more care than in many modern textbooks.
 

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