Peskin - exponention of disconnected diagrams

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the exponentiation of disconnected diagrams as presented in Peskin and Schroeder's text, specifically focusing on the mathematical formulation and interpretation of sums over disconnected pieces in quantum field theory. Participants explore the implications of the formulas related to connected and disconnected diagrams.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the reasoning behind the sum over the set of factors \{ n_i \} in the context of disconnected diagrams, expressing confusion about the necessity of two sums.
  • Another participant clarifies that a complete diagram consists of both a connected piece and the number of factors of each disconnected piece, indicating that the summation process involves both components.
  • A participant expresses skepticism about the conversion of the sum \sum_{n_i} \frac{1}{n_i!}V_i^{n_i} into exp(V_i), noting that the variable n_i can take on large values, which seems inconsistent with the exponential series concept.
  • A later reply confirms that the summation over n_i from 0 to infinity does indeed correspond to the series for the exponential function, referencing the standard form of the exponential series.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit some agreement on the structure of the sums involved, but there remains a disagreement regarding the interpretation of the exponential series and its application to the values of n_i, with at least one participant expressing doubt about the validity of the conversion.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not fully resolve the concerns about the nature of the exponential series in relation to the values of n_i, leaving open questions regarding the assumptions underlying the mathematical treatment of disconnected diagrams.

PJK
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Hi all,

I have a question regarding p.97 of Peskin Schroeder and its explantion of disconnected diagram exponentation. I do understand the formula on the buttom of page 96. \prod{\frac{1}{n_i!}V_{i}^{n_i}} \cdot (value \; of\; connected \; piece)

ButI do not understand the sum over \{ n_i \} in the next step!
I would think that I have to sum over the values of all diagrams. Each value is given by the formula which I understand. But why are there two sums?
 
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A complete diagram is specified by (1) the connected piece, and (2) the number n_i of factors of each possible disconnected piece V_i. (The connected piece has the 2 external lines; the disconnected pieces have no external lines.) Summing over all diagrams is implemented by (1) summing over the possible connected pieces, and (2) summing over all possible numbers of factors of the disconnected pieces.
 
Ok I got it. Thank you!
What I find very strange though is that he converts \sum_{n_i} \frac{1}{n_i!}V_i^{n_i} into exp(V_i) - I mean for example n_1 can be an arbitrary number e.g. 999888 and not 1. This doesn't look like an exponential series to me.

Thank you for your answer.
 
Yes, he's summing over all possible values of n_i from 0 to infinity. Then he notes that this simply gives the series for the exponential function,

\sum_{n=0}^\infty{x^n\over n!}=e^x
 

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