Problems on quantum field operators in QFT

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on quantum field operators in Quantum Field Theory (QFT), specifically addressing the interpretation of the scalar field operator φ(r,t) and the existence of representations similar to those in quantum mechanics. It is established that φ(r,t) serves as an index rather than a Hilbert space entity, clarified through the derivation of QFT from coupled harmonic oscillators. Additionally, the creation and annihilation operators, denoted as a†(p) and a(p), are identified as the Fourier transforms of field operators, confirming their role in QFT.

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  • Understanding of Quantum Field Theory (QFT)
  • Familiarity with scalar field operators
  • Knowledge of Fourier transforms
  • Basic concepts of Hilbert space in quantum mechanics
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  • Study the derivation of Quantum Field Theory from coupled harmonic oscillators
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Dyson
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Hello!

I met some annoying problems on quantum field operators in QFT.They are as follows:

(1)The quantum field operator( scalar field operator, for example),is often noted as

φ(r,t). Can it be interpreted as like this: φ(r,t) is the coordinate represetation of a

more abstract,theoretical operator φ in Hilbert space?

(2)Is there exist the represetation(such as momentum, coordinate...) which is similar to

that in quantum mechanics in QFT?

Thanks for reply!
 
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Regarding 1) no, r is an "index", not an entity living in a Hilbert space. This becomes clear if one derives quantum field theory of a scalar field from infinitly many coupled harmonic oscillators.

Regarding 2) yes, these are the so-called creation an annihilation operators obtained by Fourier transform of the field operators, usually denoted as a^\dagger(p) and a(p)
 
tom.stoer said:
Regarding 1) no, r is an "index", not an entity living in a Hilbert space. This becomes clear if one derives quantum field theory of a scalar field from infinitly many coupled harmonic oscillators.

Regarding 2) yes, these are the so-called creation an annihilation operators obtained by Fourier transform of the field operators, usually denoted as a^\dagger(p) and a(p)

Thank you very much!
 

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