Riemann zeta: regularization and universality

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the Riemann zeta function, specifically its regularization and properties related to universality. The user queries the divergence of the zeta function at -3 and its analytic continuation, referencing the finite value of 1/120. Additionally, the user explores the implications of the Voronin Universality theorem, questioning the smoothness of analytic functions versus the fractal nature of the zeta function in the strip defined by 1/2 < Re(s) < 1. The conclusion drawn is that the zeta function can be viewed differently depending on the context of its definition and that fractals can exhibit smooth characteristics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Riemann zeta function properties
  • Familiarity with analytic continuation in complex analysis
  • Knowledge of the Casimir effect in quantum field theory
  • Concepts of fractals and their mathematical definitions
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  • Study the implications of zeta function regularization in quantum field theory
  • Research the analytic continuation of the Riemann zeta function
  • Explore the Voronin Universality theorem and its applications
  • Investigate the relationship between fractals and smooth functions in mathematics
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Mathematicians, physicists, and students interested in advanced topics related to the Riemann zeta function, quantum field theory, and fractal geometry.

nomadreid
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I am not sure which is the appropriate rubric to put this under, so I am putting it in General Math. If anyone wants to move it, that is fine.
Two questions, unrelated except both have to do with the Riemann zeta function (and are not about the Riemann Hypothesis).
First, in https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeta_function_regularization, it is stated:
"zeta function regularization is available appears in the Casimir effect, which is in a flat space with the bulk contributions of the quantum field in three space dimensions. In this case we must calculate the value of Riemann zeta function at -3, which diverges explicitly. However, it can be analytically continued to s=-3 where hopefully there is no pole, thus giving a finite value to the expression."
But the Riemann zeta function, I thought, is already the analytic continuation of the generalized harmonic series. For instance, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Particular_values_of_Riemann_zeta_function puts the value of the Riemann zeta function of -3 at 1/120. What gives?

Second question: The Voronin Universality function states that any non-vanishing analytic function can be approximated by the Riemann zeta function in a strip defined by 1/2<Re(s)<1, and as a corollary, since the Riemann zeta function is itself analytic, this makes the function a fractal in that region. Fractals are notoriously not known for their smoothness, yet I thought that an analytic continuation was supposed to be smooth. I'm obviously got at least one concept here wrong; which one(s)?

Thanks in advance for putting me straight.
 
I think I figured out the problems (correct me if I am wrong). For my first question: some authors refer to the zeta function as the function only on the domain where the p-series converges, some refer to the zeta function after analytic continuation. For the second question: there is nothing wrong with a fractal being smooth. In a way, a straight line is a fractal.
 

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