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

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the evaluation of photon self-energy in finite temperature field theory, specifically addressing the sign discrepancies in vertex functions. The participants clarify the distinction between three-momentum and four-momentum, emphasizing that capital letters denote four-momentum while small letters denote three-momentum. The confusion surrounding the sign problem in tadpole diagrams is acknowledged, particularly regarding the conventions used for positive and negative time branches in the contour integration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum field theory concepts, particularly photon self-energy.
  • Familiarity with tadpole diagrams and their significance in loop calculations.
  • Knowledge of momentum representation in field theory, including three-momentum and four-momentum distinctions.
  • Experience with contour integration techniques in complex analysis.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of photon self-energy in finite temperature field theory.
  • Explore the implications of sign conventions in quantum field theory calculations.
  • Learn about the role of tadpole diagrams in perturbative expansions.
  • Investigate advanced contour integration methods in quantum field theory.
USEFUL FOR

The discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, graduate students in quantum field theory, and researchers focusing on finite temperature effects in particle physics.

Tian
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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).
 
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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