Quantum field theory and generating functional

Click For Summary
In the discussion on quantum field theory and generating functionals, the focus is on the implications of the limit as epsilon approaches zero in relation to integrals and derivatives. For part a), it is established that the integral vanishes due to the complete derivative condition. In part b), there is confusion regarding the necessity of epsilon, as it appears to impose no conditions, leading to questions about demonstrating the result for any epsilon. Participants clarify that while epsilon is crucial for convergence during integration, it is typically understood to be zero in other contexts. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the importance of epsilon in ensuring proper mathematical treatment while integrating.
binbagsss
Messages
1,291
Reaction score
12

Homework Statement



Hi,

I am looking at the attached question, parts a) and b).
generatingfunctional.png

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



so for part a) it vanishes because in the ##lim \epsilon \to 0 ## we have a complete derivative:
## \int d\phi \frac{d}{d\phi} (Z[J]) ##

for part b) we attain part a) which we have just shown vanishes by taking the derivatives inside the integral, however, for this to be a complete derivative again we also need that ##lim \epsilon \to 0 ## don't we? but part b) imposes no condition on ##\epsilon## so isn't it asking us to show that this holds for any ##\epsilon## how would we do this instead?
 

Attachments

  • generatingfunctional.png
    generatingfunctional.png
    34.2 KB · Views: 3,252
Physics news on Phys.org
bump
many thanks
 
binbagsss said:

Homework Statement


for part b) we attain part a) which we have just shown vanishes by taking the derivatives inside the integral, however, for this to be a complete derivative again we also need that ##lim \epsilon \to 0 ## don't we? but part b) imposes no condition on ##\epsilon## so isn't it asking us to show that this holds for any ##\epsilon## how would we do this instead?

I agree that they are not being very clear. But I am sure it i implicit that epsilon is taken to zero. The epsilon is only needed to make the integral convergent so if one actually wants to integrate it, the epsilon must be kept and then set to zero after the integration is carried out. But in all other relations like the one given in b), it is understood that the epsilon is taken to be zero. To summarize, the epsilon is alway understood to be zero except when one is actually carrying out integrations.
 

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
5K
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K