Question on irreducible versus reducible Feynman graphs

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The discussion centers on the relationship between reducible and irreducible Feynman graphs in the context of functional integrals. It explains how the Legendre transformation from W[J] to Γ[φ] effectively removes 1-particle reducible graphs, focusing on the sum of 1-particle irreducible graphs instead. The saddle-point evaluation of W[J] yields connected graphs, while the transformation to Γ[φ] subtracts the term involving Jφ, which is crucial for isolating irreducible contributions. The participants express a need for a constructive proof of this equivalence, suggesting references for deeper understanding. The conversation highlights the importance of functional methods in quantum field theory.
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Consider the functional:

(1) \mbox{ }e^{iW[J]} = \int d \hat{\phi} \mbox{ }e^{i\int d^4x \mbox{ } \mathcal L(\hat{\phi})+J\hat{\phi}}

Define a Legendre transformation to get a functional in \phi(x) instead of J(x):

(2) \mbox{ }\Gamma[\phi]=W[J(\phi)]- \int d^4x \mbox{ } J(\phi) \phi

where J(\phi) is found by solving \frac{\partial W[J]}{\partial J}=\phi for J in terms of \phi and substituting this expression in for the value J(\phi). Also, by differentiating eqn (2) with respect to \phi, one can show:

\frac{\partial \Gamma[\phi]}{\partial \phi}+J(\phi)=0

To calculate \Gamma[\phi] by diagrammatic methods instead, exponentiate it and substitute the earlier result for e^{iW[J]}:

(3) \mbox{ } <br /> e^{i\Gamma[\phi]}= e^{i(W[J(\phi)]- \int d^4x \mbox{ } J(\phi) \phi )}<br /> =\int d \hat{\phi} \mbox{ }e^{i\int d^4x \mbox{ } \mathcal L(\hat{\phi})+J(\phi)(\hat{\phi}-\phi)}<br />

Now here is what I don't understand. The author of the paper now says:

"A saddle-point evaluation of eqn. (1) gives W[J] as the sum of all
connected graphs that are constructed using vertices and propagators built from
the classical lagrangian, L, and having the currents, J, as external lines. But \Gamma[\phi]
just differs from W[J] by subtracting \int d^4x \mbox{ } J\phi, and evaluating the result at the specific configuration J(\phi) = -\frac{\partial \Gamma}{\partial \phi}. This merely lops off all of the 1-particle
reducible graphs, ensuring that \Gamma[\phi] is given by summing 1-particle irreducible
graphs."

How does one see that adding all irreducible graphs is equivalent to evaluating eqn. (3)? In other words, how does doing all that "merely lops off all the 1-particle reducible graphs"?
 
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Well, I wouldn't say that from what the paper says it is obvious ... From my point of view the proof for this has to be constructive. You will probably find one in Zinn Justin book or in Itzykson's. For more pedagogical aspects I would say : Abers and Lee Physics Reports on gauge theories and Iliopoulos, Martin and a 3rd in Rev mod phys about introduction on functional methods
 
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