Peskin complex scalar field current

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the charge operator for a complex scalar field as described in Peskin's textbook. The conserved current is given by the equation \( j^\mu = i(\partial^\mu \phi^*) \phi - i \phi^* (\partial^\mu \phi) \). The user attempts to derive this expression using the equations for the variation of the Lagrangian, specifically \( j^\mu = \frac{\delta L}{\delta (\partial_\mu \phi)} \delta \phi + \frac{\delta L}{\delta (\partial_\mu \phi^*)} \delta \phi^* \), with variations \( \delta \phi = i \phi \) and \( \delta \phi^* = -i \phi^* \). The user expresses confusion regarding the order of operators when promoting \( \phi \) to an operator in quantum field theory.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of complex scalar fields in quantum field theory.
  • Familiarity with the concept of conserved currents and Noether's theorem.
  • Knowledge of Lagrangian mechanics and functional derivatives.
  • Basic principles of operator ordering in quantum mechanics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the derivation of conserved currents in quantum field theory using Noether's theorem.
  • Study the implications of operator ordering in quantum field theory, particularly for scalar fields.
  • Examine the charge operator in the context of complex scalar fields and its physical significance.
  • Explore Peskin's textbook further, focusing on the sections related to symmetries and conservation laws.
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in theoretical physics, particularly those studying quantum field theory, complex scalar fields, and the mathematical foundations of particle physics.

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Homework Statement


i'm trying to calculate the charge operator for a complex scalar field. I've got the overal problem right but I'm confused about this:
On page 18 of Peskin, it is written that the conserved current of a complex scalar field, associated with the transformation ##\phi \rightarrow \phi e^{\alpha \phi}##, is
$$ j^\mu = i(\partial^\mu \phi^*) \phi - i \phi^* (\partial^\mu \phi)$$
I'm trying to recalculate it.

Homework Equations



$$ j^\mu = \frac{\delta L}{\delta (\partial_\mu \phi)} \delta \phi +
\frac{\delta L}{\delta (\partial_\mu \phi^*)} \delta \phi^* $$
##\delta \phi = i \phi## and ##\delta \phi^* = -i \phi^*##

The Attempt at a Solution


Using the above equations i get
$$ j^\mu = i(\partial^\mu \phi^*) \phi - i (\partial^\mu \phi) \phi^*$$
and since i will later promote ##\phi## to an operator the order is important. Or not ?
 
Last edited:
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Because when i calculate the charge operator, which is the time component of the conserved current, I get a different answer than the one in Peskin.Where am i wrong ?
 

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