Perturbative Renormalization in Phi 4 Theory

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the perturbative renormalization in Phi 4 theory, specifically addressing the renormalized Lagrangian at 1-loop order, which includes counter-terms for mass and coupling constant. The amplitude calculation for the two-point function $$\bra{p'}(\Phi(x_1)\Phi(x_2))\ket{p}$$ reveals a divergence that is not canceled by the counter-term $$\delta_{\lambda}$$, which is derived as $$\delta_{\lambda}=\frac{3\lambda^2}{32\pi^2}(\frac{2}{\epsilon}-\gamma+\log{4\pi})$$. The author expresses confusion regarding the expected linearity of the counter-term in $$\lambda$$ at this order, indicating a potential misunderstanding in the renormalization process.

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  • Understanding of quantum field theory concepts, particularly Phi 4 theory.
  • Familiarity with Lagrangian formalism and perturbation theory.
  • Knowledge of dimensional regularization techniques.
  • Experience with calculating scattering amplitudes in quantum field theories.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the process of renormalization in quantum field theories, focusing on Phi 4 theory.
  • Learn about dimensional regularization and its application in handling divergences.
  • Explore the derivation and implications of counter-terms in perturbative expansions.
  • Investigate related discussions on scattering amplitudes in quantum field theory.
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Researchers and students in theoretical physics, particularly those specializing in quantum field theory and renormalization techniques, will benefit from this discussion.

Diracobama2181
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TL;DR
I seem to have a misunderstanding as to how counterterms actually get rid of the divergences in amplitudes.
For example, after the Lagrangian is renormalized at 1-loop order, it is of the form
$$\mathcal{L}=\frac{1}{2}\partial^{\mu}\Phi\partial_{\mu}\Phi-\frac{1}{2}m^2\Phi^2-\frac{\lambda\Phi^4}{4!}-\frac{1}{2}\delta_m^2\Phi^2-\frac{\delta_{\lambda}\Phi^4}{4!}$$.

So if I were to attempt to find the amplitude of $$\bra{p'}(\Phi(x_1)\Phi(x_2))\ket{p}$$ to order $\lambda$, I would get

$$\bra{p'}\Phi(x_1)\Phi(x_2)\ket{p}=\bra{\Omega}a_{p'}\Phi(x)\Phi(x) a_{p}^{\dagger}e^{i\int d^4y (\lambda+\delta_{\lambda})}\ket{\Omega}\\=(e^{i(p'\cdot x_1-p\cdot x_2)}+e^{i(p'\cdot x_2-p\cdot x_1)}-i(\lambda+\delta_{\lambda})\int e^{i(p'-p)\cdot x}\int\frac{d^4k}{(2\pi)^4}\frac{ie^{-ik\cdot (x_1-x)}}{k^2-m^2+i\epsilon}\int\frac{d^4q}{(2\pi)^4}\frac{ie^{-iq \cdot (x_2-x)}}{q^2-m^2+i\epsilon}d^4x)$$
From here, I would dimensionally regularize
and use $$\delta_{\lambda}=\frac{3\lambda^2}{32\pi^2}(\frac{2}{\epsilon}-\gamma+\log{4\pi})$$, which is at order $\lamba^2$, so it dosent cancel out the divergence of this integral. What is it about renormalization that I'm misunderstanding?
 
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