Steps in an electron's magnetic moment derivation

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the derivation of the anomalous magnetic moment in quantum field theory (QFT) as presented in Schwarz's book, specifically the transition between equations 17.23 and 17.24. The user seeks clarification on handling terms involving gamma matrices, particularly ##\not{p}\gamma^\mu\not{p}## and ##\not{q_1}\gamma^\mu\not{p}##. The suggestion to utilize the anticommutation relation ##\{\gamma_\mu, \gamma_\nu\} = 2 \eta_{\mu \nu}## is introduced as a potential method to simplify the expressions and resolve the issue with non-commuting gamma matrices.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum field theory (QFT) principles
  • Familiarity with gamma matrices and their properties
  • Knowledge of the anomalous magnetic moment concept
  • Ability to manipulate Dirac spinors and related equations
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  • Study the derivation of the anomalous magnetic moment in detail from Schwarz's QFT book
  • Learn about the properties and applications of gamma matrices in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the implications of the anticommutation relations of gamma matrices
  • Investigate the role of Dirac spinors in particle physics
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Students and researchers in theoretical physics, particularly those focusing on quantum field theory and particle physics, will benefit from this discussion.

kelly0303
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Hello! I am reading Schwarz's book on QFT and in chapter 17 he introduces the anomalous magnetic moment. I am not sure I understand a step in the derivation (from a mathematical point of view), when going from 17.23 to 17.24 (I attached a SS of it). I was able to get certain terms, but I am not sure what to do with term of the form ##\not{p}\gamma^\mu\not{p}## or ##\not{q_1}\gamma^\mu\not{p}##. I tried using ##p=q_2-q_1## and them the fact that ##\not{q_1}u(q_1)=mu(q_1)## and ##\bar{u}(q_2)\not{q_2}=mu(q_2)## but there are still gamma matrices I can't get rid of (mainly because they don't commute). Can someone tell me what is he using? Thank you!
 

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kelly0303 said:
Hello! I am reading Schwarz's book on QFT and in chapter 17 he introduces the anomalous magnetic moment. I am not sure I understand a step in the derivation (from a mathematical point of view), when going from 17.23 to 17.24 (I attached a SS of it). I was able to get certain terms, but I am not sure what to do with term of the form ##\not{p}\gamma^\mu\not{p}## or ##\not{q_1}\gamma^\mu\not{p}##. I tried using ##p=q_2-q_1## and them the fact that ##\not{q_1}u(q_1)=mu(q_1)## and ##\bar{u}(q_2)\not{q_2}=mu(q_2)## but there are still gamma matrices I can't get rid of (mainly because they don't commute). Can someone tell me what is he using? Thank you!
Have you used that ##\{\gamma_\mu, \gamma_\nu \} = 2 \eta_{\mu \nu} ##?
 

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