Quantum field theory and generating functional

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the application of limits in quantum field theory, specifically regarding the generating functional Z[J]. In part a), the integral vanishes due to the complete derivative as the limit ε approaches 0. In part b), the participants clarify that while part a) assumes ε is zero, part b) does not explicitly state this condition, leading to confusion. However, it is established that ε is implicitly understood to be zero in all relations except during the integration process.

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binbagsss
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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?
 

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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.
 

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