Path integral and gaussian integral

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the functional W[J] for a real scalar field using Gaussian integrals. The user attempts to apply the Gaussian formula to derive W[J] but encounters difficulties in recovering the correct sign of J. The integration involves discretizing momentum p and integrating over the field φ, with specific attention to the factors of 1/2 that can lead to errors. Reference is made to Peskin's work for clarification on these factors.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of functional integrals in quantum field theory
  • Familiarity with Gaussian integrals and their properties
  • Knowledge of real scalar fields and their mathematical representation
  • Experience with momentum space integration techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Gaussian integrals in quantum field theory
  • Review Peskin's "An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory" for detailed explanations
  • Learn about discretization techniques in functional integrals
  • Explore the implications of factors of 1/2 in field theory calculations
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Physicists, particularly those specializing in quantum field theory, graduate students studying advanced theoretical physics, and researchers working on functional integrals and scalar field models.

LayMuon
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I am trying to calculate the functional for real scalar field:

<br /> W[J] = \int \mathcal{D} \phi \: exp \left[{ \int \frac{d^4 p}{(2 \pi)^4}[ \frac{1}{2} \tilde{\phi}(-p) i (p^2 - m^2 +i \epsilon) \tilde{\phi}(p)} +\tilde{J}(-p) \tilde{\phi}(p)] \right]<br /> <br />

Using this gaussian formula:

\int_{-\infty}^\infty \prod_{i=1}^N dy_i \: exp \left[ -\frac{1}{2} \sum_{i,j=1}^N y_i A_{ij} y_j + \sum_{i=1}^Ny_i z_i \right]= (2 \pi)^{N/2} (\mathrm{det} A)^{-1/2} exp \left[\frac{1}{2} \sum_{i,j=1}^N z_i (A^{-1})_{ij} z_j \right]<br /> <br />

I have to discretise the p integration and then perform the integration over phi but i am unable to recover the right sign of J.

I can'r get:

<br /> W[J] = W[0] \: exp \left[ \frac{1}{2} \int \frac{d^4 p}{(2 \pi)^4} \tilde{J}(-p) \tilde{D}(p) \tilde{J}(p) \right]<br /> <br />

Any help?
 
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There was an explanation in Peskin. One should be careful with factors of 1/2. I initially messed them up.
 

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