Photon self-energy in the finite temperature field theory (real -time)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the topic of photon self-energy within the context of finite temperature field theory, specifically in real-time formulations. Participants are examining the mathematical expressions involved, including the evaluation of diagrams and the implications of sign conventions in the calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the initial expression appears correct but raises a concern about a potential sign issue related to the vertices in the formula.
  • Another participant clarifies that they should distinguish between three-momentum and four-momentum in their notation, indicating a source of confusion.
  • A participant acknowledges the existence of a sign problem but expresses uncertainty about the meaning of a specific statement regarding vertex signs.
  • A further reply explains that the sign issue arises from the time direction of the contour branches, which can vary based on convention.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants acknowledge the presence of a sign problem, but there is no consensus on the implications or meanings of the sign conventions discussed. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific details of the calculations and their interpretations.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the clarity of the mathematical expressions and the assumptions regarding sign conventions, which may affect the understanding of the results.

Tian
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TL;DR
I want to calculate photon selfenergy in the finite temperature field theory (real -time). There are two delta function. There may be some wrong in my calculation ,but I can not find it
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Your formulae are hard to read, but as far as I can see, the initial expression looks correct (maybe up to a sign, because the +-vertex has the opposite sign of the --vertex; the additional - from the fermion loop is, of course, correct).

The only place, where you have trouble with the ##\delta## functions is in the evaluations of tadpole diagrams (i.e., loops beginning and ending at the same vertex).
 
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Thank you very much , the note maybe hard to read . I should distinguish between three momentum and four momentum. Capital letters represent four momentum, and small letters represent three momentum. I hope you can see my note again. This probelm confused me long time .
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And you are right, there is a sign problem, but I don't know the mean of “ the +-vertex has the opposite sign of the --vertex”
 
That's because one branch of the contour is in positive and the other in negative time direction. It depends on your convention which one you call the plus and which one the minus-branch.
 

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