QED Formulation with Massive Photon Fields

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the formulation of Quantum Electrodynamics (QED) using massive photon fields, specifically referencing the Proca and Stückelberg theories. The photon field is treated as a massive vector boson, which addresses infrared (IR) divergences more effectively than traditional massless formulations. Participants seek detailed resources beyond Weinberg's technical texts to better understand this formalism.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Quantum Electrodynamics (QED)
  • Familiarity with gauge theories
  • Knowledge of massive vector bosons
  • Basic concepts of quantum field theory (QFT)
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "Proca theory" and its implications in QFT
  • Study "Stückelberg formalism" and its applications to gauge theories
  • Explore introductory texts on QED that simplify complex concepts
  • Look for articles or papers specifically addressing IR divergences in QED
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physicists, students of quantum field theory, and researchers interested in advanced QED formulations and their implications in theoretical physics.

M91
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
TL;DR
Massive QED formalism.
I was reading Diagrammatica by Veltman and he treats the photon field as a massive vector boson in which gauge invariance is disappeared and the propagator has a different expression than in massless photon. After some googling, I found that this is one way to formulate QED which has the advantage of taking care of IR divergences. I would like to read more about the subject. What is the name of such formalism? is there any kind of QFT book (article, paper..) which explains it in detail? I saw some comments in Weinberg's book but Weinberg is too technical for me. Any sources would be appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The word you want is "Proca".
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: vanhees71 and M91
or rather Stückelberg, who has shown that for the Abelian case you can have a gauge theory with massive gauge bosons.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: M91, physicsworks and Vanadium 50
vanhees71 said:
or rather Stückelberg, who has shown that for the Abelian case you can have a gauge theory with massive gauge bosons.
Thanks! I was hoping to get an answer from you, as you always put me in the right direction. Do you also happen to know a reference that discusses this topic in detail rather than books only highlighting this mechanism?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • · Replies 87 ·
3
Replies
87
Views
8K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
9K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
Replies
87
Views
9K