Schrodinger equation in quantum field theory

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The Schrödinger equation in quantum field theory (QFT) is fundamentally linked to the time evolution of quantum states, described by the Hamiltonian. It serves as the non-relativistic approximation of various fields, including the Klein-Gordon scalar field. In QFT, the equation holds for every state and is particularly relevant in 0-dimensional space, where it describes an anharmonic oscillator in the Schrödinger picture. The equivalence of the Schrödinger and Heisenberg pictures is noted, with the former being more accessible for teaching purposes.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with Hamiltonian mechanics
  • Knowledge of quantum field theory concepts
  • Basic grasp of the Schrödinger and Heisenberg pictures
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between quantum mechanics and scalar QFT in 0+1 dimensions
  • Explore the Schwinger-Dyson equations and their implications in QFT
  • Read about the differences between the Schrödinger and Heisenberg pictures in quantum mechanics
  • Investigate the role of the Hamiltonian in relativistic quantum field theory
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, quantum mechanics students, and researchers in quantum field theory seeking to deepen their understanding of the Schrödinger equation and its applications in various dimensional contexts.

accdd
Messages
95
Reaction score
20
What is the Schrödinger equation in QFT? is it the nonrelativistic approximation of a Klein-Gordon scalar field? or Is there more?
I have read that the Schrödinger equation describes a QFT in 0 dimensions.
I accept every answer
 
Physics news on Phys.org
accdd said:
I have read that the Schrödinger equation describes a QFT in 0 dimensions.
where?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Vanadium 50 and accdd
accdd said:
What is the Schrödinger equation in QFT? is it the nonrelativistic approximation of a Klein-Gordon scalar field? or Is there more?
I have read that the Schrödinger equation describes a QFT in 0 dimensions.
I accept every answer
It depends. The general Schrödinger equation tells you that time evolution of a quantum state is described by the Hamiltonian. The non-relativistic Hamiltonian gives you then the non-relativistic approximation of whatever field you're considering (spin 1/2, spin 0, ...)
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: accdd
@haushofer problem with that is that you are then describing a classical (non-quantum) field.

I can think of the The Schwinger-Dyson equations which in some sense gives the quantum equations of motion.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: accdd
accdd said:
What is the Schrödinger equation in QFT? is it the nonrelativistic approximation of a Klein-Gordon scalar field?
No.

The Schrödinger equation ##i\hbar \dot\psi=H\psi## holds in relativistic quantum field theory for every state ##\psi##, with ##H## being the generator of time translations of the Poincare group.

accdd said:
I have read that the Schrödinger equation describes a QFT in 0 dimensions.
A QFT in 0 space dimensions decribes (in the simplest case) an anharmonic oscillator in the Heisenberg picture, whereas the Schrödinger equation decribes (in the simplest case) an anharmonic oscillator in the Schrödinger picture. Both descriptions are equivalent, but the Schrödinger picture is usually easier to handle, hence is the way most commonly taught.

A nonrelativistic field theory in 3 space dimensions is the second quantized form of the multiparticle Schrödinger equation with an indefinite number of particles.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Lord Jestocost, accdd and malawi_glenn
malawi_glenn said:
where?
That sentence is wrong, sorry, I meant to say I read online (a question on stackexchange) that quantum mechanics is related to scalar QFT in 0+1 dimensions. I would like to know more about it.
 
Thanks to everyone
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
623
  • · Replies 39 ·
2
Replies
39
Views
2K
  • · Replies 182 ·
7
Replies
182
Views
15K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
4K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
2K