Noether current in quantum field theory

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the Noether current associated with the infinitesimal transformation of a scalar field action in quantum field theory. The action is defined as $$S=\int -\frac{1}{2}\sum^2_{n,m=1} (\partial^{\mu}\phi_{nm}\partial_{\mu}\phi_{mn}+m^2 \phi_{nm} \phi_{mn})dx$$ and the transformation is given by $$\phi'=e^{\alpha}\phi e^{-\alpha}$$. The infinitesimal transformation is identified as $$\delta_{\alpha}=[\alpha, \phi]$$. The challenge lies in calculating the Noether current using the formula $$J^{\mu}=\frac{\partial L(\phi, \partial (\phi))}{\partial (\partial _{\mu}(\phi)}(\delta_{\alpha}\phi)-F^{\mu}$$, particularly due to the complexity of the matrix elements involved in the covariant derivatives.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Noether's theorem in quantum field theory
  • Familiarity with matrix calculus and real matrices
  • Knowledge of Lagrangian mechanics and action principles
  • Proficiency in calculating covariant derivatives
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  • Study the derivation of Noether currents in quantum field theory
  • Learn about the properties of matrix exponentials and their applications
  • Explore covariant derivatives in the context of field theory
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The discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, particularly those specializing in quantum field theory, as well as graduate students seeking to deepen their understanding of symmetries and conservation laws in physics.

CSpring432
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Homework Statement
Finding Noether current for the given action
Relevant Equations
$$J^{\mu}=\frac{\partial L(\phi, \partial (\phi))}{\partial (\partial _{\mu}(\phi)}(\delta_{\alpha}\phi)-F^{\mu}$$
Hi

Have been trying to solve the below question for a while, wondered if anyone could help.

Considering the action

$$S=\int -\frac{1}{2}\sum^2_{n,m=1} (\partial^{\mu}\phi_{nm}\partial_{\mu}\phi_{mn}+m^2 \phi_{nm} \phi_{mn})dx$$
under the transformation

$$\phi'=e^{\alpha}\phi e^{-\alpha}$$

Find the infinitesimal transformation and associated Noether current, where both ##\alpha## and ##\phi## are real 2x2 matrices.

I've managed to find what (I think) is the infinitesimal transformation:

$$e^{\alpha}\phi e^{-\alpha}\approx \phi-\phi \alpha +\alpha\phi+ \mathcal{O}(\alpha^2)$$
$$\therefore \delta_{\alpha}=[\alpha, \phi]$$

I am however, stumped for calculating the Noether constant. I know that I would have to use the formula

$$J^{\mu}=\frac{\partial L(\phi, \partial (\phi))}{\partial (\partial _{\mu}(\phi)}(\delta_{\alpha}\phi)-F^{\mu}$$

The issue, I think, is calculating the covariant derivatives since the phi terms are matrix elements. Any help would be really appreciated.
 
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I think that ##\phi## represents four real fields ##\phi_{nm}## and the first term in the Noether current is
$$\sum^2_{n,m=1}\frac{\partial L(\phi, \partial (\phi))}{\partial (\partial _{\mu}(\phi_{nm}))}(\delta_{\alpha}\phi_{nm})$$
 

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