Spin-1 Propagator and polarization vectors

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the derivation of the propagator for a spin-1 field in spontaneously broken gauge theories using the R_\xi gauge. The propagator is expressed as \tilde{D}^{\mu\nu}(p)=\frac{-i}{p^2-m^2+i\epsilon}\left(g^{\mu\nu}-(1-\xi)\frac{p^\mu p^\nu}{p^2-\xi m^2+i\epsilon}\right). The user encounters difficulties in calculating the two-point correlator \langle 0|T(\hat{A}_\mu(x)\hat{A}_\nu(y))|0\rangle and seeks clarification on the polarization vectors and their gauge dependence, ultimately finding a reference in Greiner's "Field Quantization" (1996), chapter 7.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gauge theories and spontaneously broken symmetries.
  • Familiarity with the R_\xi gauge and its implications in quantum field theory.
  • Knowledge of two-point correlators and their significance in quantum field theory.
  • Proficiency in deriving propagators for quantum fields, particularly spin-1 fields.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of polarization vectors for spin-1 fields in gauge theories.
  • Examine the role of gauge parameters in quantum field theory, particularly in the context of the R_\xi gauge.
  • Review the calculation of two-point correlators in quantum field theory using mode expansions.
  • Read Greiner's "Field Quantization" (1996), specifically chapter 7, for detailed insights on polarization sums.
USEFUL FOR

Researchers and students in theoretical physics, particularly those focusing on quantum field theory, gauge theories, and particle physics. This discussion is beneficial for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of spin-1 fields and their propagators.

TriTertButoxy
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Hi. I am stuck.
By inverting the spin-1 differential operator I was able to derive (quite easily) the propagator for the spin-1 field (in a spontaneously broken gauge theory) in the [itex]R_\xi[/itex] gauges for the arbitrary gauge parameter [itex]\xi[/itex]. The result is
[tex] \tilde{D}^{\mu\nu}(p)=\frac{-i}{p^2-m^2+i\epsilon}\left(g^{\mu\nu}-(1-\xi)\frac{p^\mu p^\nu}{p^2-\xi m^2+i\epsilon}\right).[/tex]
But now, when I try to calculate the two-point correlator using the mode expansion for the spin-1 field, I can't quite get the same answer.
[tex] \langle 0|T(\hat{A}_\mu(x)\hat{A}_\nu(y))|0\rangle=\int \frac{d^4p}{(2\pi)^4}\frac{ie^{-i p.(x-y)}}{p^2-m^2+i\epsilon}\left(\epsilon_\mu^{[0]}(\mathbf{p})\epsilon_\nu^{*[0]}(\mathbf{p})-\sum_{\lambda=1,2,3}\epsilon_\mu^{[\lambda]}(\mathbf{p})\epsilon_\nu^{*[\lambda]}(\mathbf{p})\right)[/tex]
I need to do a polarization sum, but can't quite figure out how to get the gauge-dependence in there. What are the polarization vectors? and how do I derive them?
 
Last edited:
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Ok. I found the answer in Greiner, Field Quantization 1996, chapter 7. The answer is very long, and I do not expect anyone to answer. Thanks to those who have thought about this problem.
 

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