Phase space element calculation

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on the calculation of phase space for a 2 to 2 particle interaction process. The initial integral setup was incorrect due to the assumption that E_2 is independent of E_1, which led to an erroneous application of the delta function. The correct formulation requires recognizing that E_2 is a function of E_1, resulting in the accurate expression for the integral as ∫ dΩ |p_1| / (16π²E_{CM}). This adjustment resolves the calculation error and yields the correct phase space element.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of phase space calculations in particle physics
  • Familiarity with delta functions in integrals
  • Knowledge of energy-momentum relations in relativistic physics
  • Experience with integral calculus in multiple dimensions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of phase space integrals in quantum field theory
  • Learn about the implications of energy conservation in particle collisions
  • Explore the use of delta functions in constrained integrals
  • Investigate the role of center-of-mass energy (E_{CM}) in particle interactions
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, graduate students in particle physics, and researchers involved in high-energy collision experiments seeking to refine their understanding of phase space calculations.

kaksmet
Messages
81
Reaction score
0
Can anyone see what's not right?

In the phase space calculation of a 2 to 2 process I get to
[tex]I=\int dp_1d\Omega \frac{1}{(2\pi)^2}\frac{p_1^2}{2E_12E_2}\delta(E_1+E_2-E)[/tex]

then I use
[tex]p_1=\sqrt{E_1^2+m_1^2} \Rightarrow dp_1=\frac{E_1}{\sqrt{E_1^2+m_1^2}}dE_1[/tex]

thus
[tex]I = \int dE_1d\Omega \frac{1}{(2\pi)^2}\frac{E_1^2-m_1^2}{2E_12E_2}\frac{E_1}{\sqrt{E_1^2-m_1^2}}\delta(E_1+E_2-E)[/tex]
[tex]=\int d\Omega \frac{\sqrt{E_1^2-m_1^2}}{16\pi^2E_2}[/tex]

[tex]=\int d\Omega \frac{|p_1|}{16\pi^2E_2}[/tex]

However, this is the right answer, which should be
[tex]\int d\Omega \frac{|p_1|}{16\pi^2E_{CM}}[/tex]All ideas greatly appreciated
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Problem sovled. Misstake was that E_2 is a function of E_1 so I cannot directly use the delta function. Taking this into account the correct answer is obtained.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
3K