QFT Causality: Real Scalar Field & Probability

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between causality and probability in Quantum Field Theory (QFT), specifically regarding a real scalar field. The commutation relation $$[\phi(x),\phi(y)] = 0$$ for spacelike intervals indicates that measurements at points x and y do not influence each other, thus preserving causality. However, the non-zero probability $$D(x-y) \neq 0$$ suggests a correlation between the values of the field at these points, leading to confusion about the interpretation of causality versus probability. The discussion emphasizes that while causality is maintained, the correlation does not imply a direct causal influence.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Quantum Field Theory (QFT)
  • Familiarity with real scalar fields and their properties
  • Knowledge of Lorentz transformations and their implications
  • Basic grasp of commutation relations in quantum mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of commutation relations in Quantum Field Theory
  • Explore the concept of correlation functions in QFT
  • Learn about Lorentz invariance and its role in quantum mechanics
  • Investigate the interpretation of probability amplitudes in quantum systems
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, particularly those specializing in Quantum Field Theory, students studying advanced quantum mechanics, and researchers interested in the foundations of quantum causality and correlation.

Aleolomorfo
Messages
70
Reaction score
4
Hello everyone!
I have a question regarding the causality in QFT.
If I take into consideration a real scalar field and I calculate:
$$[\phi(x),\phi(y)] = 0 \space \space \space \space \space \text{if (x-y)}^2 < 0$$
Thanks to this relation we state that causality in QFT is preserved: a measurement in ##x## cannot talk to another one made in ##y##.
However, this is not the same of saying that the probability of going from ##x## to ##y## is ##0##, as a matter of fact it is ##D(x-y) \neq 0##. So the probability is not zero. I do not understand how we can link these two results coherently. From my perspective they are in contradiction (I know they are not, I'd like to understand why): the latter is what we call strictly causality and so it is broken.
Then usually books make another step forward. If I calculate the probability of going from ##y## to ##x## I found ##D(y-x)##. As long as ##x-y## is spacelike there is a continuos Lorentz transformation between ##x-y## and ##y-x## and since ##D(x)## is Lorentz invariant :
$$P(x \rightarrow y) = P(y \rightarrow y)$$
I understand the single steps, but I do not find the link between them. Thanks in advance!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It's best to think of ##D(x - y)## not as the probability to go from x to y, but as a measure of how correlated the value of ##\phi(x)## is with the value ##\phi(y)##.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Demystifier

Similar threads

Replies
18
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K