Solution to nonlinear field equations

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the application of full nonlinear solutions to the massless \(\phi^4\) equations in quantum field theory (QFT) instead of relying on traditional quadratic Green functions. The primary inquiry is whether a Green function can be constructed from these nonlinear solutions and how they can be utilized in perturbative QFT calculations, specifically in computing scattering amplitudes. The example provided illustrates the difference between using the Feynman propagator \(D_F\) and the full solution for calculating the \(\phi + \phi \to \phi + \phi\) scattering amplitude at one loop.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum field theory (QFT) principles
  • Familiarity with Green functions and their role in QFT
  • Knowledge of the massless \(\phi^4\) theory and its equations
  • Experience with perturbative calculations in QFT
NEXT STEPS
  • Research methods for constructing Green functions from nonlinear equations
  • Study the implications of using full solutions in perturbative QFT
  • Explore advanced techniques for calculating scattering amplitudes in nonlinear field theories
  • Investigate the generating functional in the context of nonlinear solutions
USEFUL FOR

The discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, particularly those specializing in quantum field theory, nonlinear dynamics, and advanced particle physics calculations.

wandering.the.cosmos
Messages
21
Reaction score
0
In the usual way to do QFT, we find the Green functions to the quadratic part of the lagrangian (usually with Feynman boundary conditions), and use this in the computation of n point (usually time ordered) correlation functions. Suppose one manages to solve instead the full nonlinear equation, is there (1) some sort of Green function for non-linear equation we can construct out of these solutions? and (2) is it possible, and if so, how do we use these solutions instead of the quadratic Green functions to do perturbative QFT?

An example of this is, suppose one knows the solution to the classical massless [itex]\phi^4[/itex] equations:

[tex]\partial_\mu \partial^\mu \phi = -\frac{g}{3!} \phi^3[/tex]

Instead of using

[tex]D_F(x-y) = \int \frac{d^dk}{(2\pi)^4} \frac{ie^{-ik(x-y)}}{k^2+i\epsilon}[/tex]

can we use the full solution to the [itex]\phi^4[/itex] equations to do calculations? If so, how? Say I wish to now calculate the [itex]\phi + \phi \to \phi + \phi[/itex] scattering amplitude to 1 loop -- what's the difference between computing it using the usual Feynman propagator [itex]D_F[/itex] and using the full solution? Or more generally, how do we go about computing the generating functional

[tex]\int \mathcal{D}\phi \exp\left[ i\int d^4x \left( \frac{1}{2} \partial_\mu\phi \partial^\mu \phi - \frac{g}{4!}\phi^4 + J \phi \right) \right][/tex]
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
using the full nonlinear solution?That is, can we use the full nonlinear solution instead of the usual Feynman propagator in perturbative QFT calculations, and if so, how?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
1K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K