Synthesis between Quantum Chaos and QFT.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the potential synthesis between Quantum Chaos (QC) and Quantum Field Theory (QFT), examining whether methods from one theory are applicable to the other and the relationship between these two areas of study.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about existing attempts to synthesize QC and QFT, questioning the necessity of QFT knowledge for research in QC.
  • Another participant suggests that chaos exists in classical field theory and proposes that studying aspects of classical chaos in QFT could be valuable, mentioning the functional Schrödinger equation as a potential framework.
  • A participant seeks clarification on the term "quantum state," initially associating it with the wave function of a particle, and speculates that a time-dependent Hamiltonian might be necessary for chaotic behavior.
  • A later reply clarifies that the term "quantum state" refers to a general QFT state, where the number of particles may be uncertain, rather than a specific wave function.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between QC and QFT, with some proposing connections and others questioning the relevance of QFT knowledge in QC research. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the extent of synthesis between the two theories.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion, including assumptions about the applicability of classical chaos to QFT and the dependence on specific formulations of QFT that may not be universally accepted.

MathematicalPhysicist
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Are there any attempts to synthesize between these two theories?

I mean are there methods from QFT being used in QC and vice versa?

I asked one professor from my univ if I were to research under his belt in QC, would I need some QFT knowledge and he said not. So I wonder are they really unrelated.

P.s
The prof specilaises in the interface between QC and number theory.
 
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Chaos certainly exists in classical field theory. Thus, it certainly would make sense to study "scares" of classical chaos in quantum field theory. I guess that the appropriate formulation of QFT would be the functional Schrödinger equation in which a quantum state is a function of time and a functional of field configuration in space. However, an explicit calculation would require numerical computation with computers much stronger than currently available.
 
When you say quantum state, do you refer to the wave function of the particle?

If so, then I guess that also the hamiltonian should be dependent explicitly on time to exhibit a chaotic behaviour.
 
MathematicalPhysicist said:
When you say quantum state, do you refer to the wave function of the particle?
No. I mean a general QFT state in which the number of particles may be uncertain.
 

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