Taylor series expansion of functional

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on deriving the Schwinger Dyson equation for a real free scalar field described by the Lagrangian L=½(∂φ)^2 - m^2 φ^2 using the path integral formalism. The user seeks clarification on the Taylor series expansion of the functional exponential e^{i S[φ']} and its relation to the path integral. The functional analog of the Taylor series expansion is presented as F[\phi']=F[\phi+\epsilon]=F[\phi]+\epsilon\left.\frac{dF}{d\phi'}\right|_{\phi'=\phi}+O(\epsilon^2), with a query on the relationship between the parameters ε and ε. Mark Srednicki's textbook on Quantum Field Theory (QFT) is recommended for further understanding.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Quantum Field Theory (QFT)
  • Familiarity with path integral formalism
  • Knowledge of functional derivatives
  • Basic concepts of Taylor series expansions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Mark Srednicki's textbook on Quantum Field Theory for comprehensive insights.
  • Learn about functional derivatives in the context of QFT.
  • Research the application of Taylor series in functional analysis.
  • Explore the implications of the Schwinger Dyson equations in quantum field theories.
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Students and researchers in Quantum Field Theory, particularly those focusing on path integral formalism and functional analysis. This discussion will benefit anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the Schwinger Dyson equation and its derivation.

vishal.ng
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I'm studying QFT in the path integral formalism, and got stuck in deriving the Schwinger Dyson equation for a real free scalar field,
L=½(∂φ)^2 - m^2 φ^2
in the equation,
S[φ]=∫ d4x L[φ]
∫ Dφ e^{i S[φ]} φ(x1) φ(x2) = ∫ Dφ e^{i S[φ']} φ'(x1) φ'(x2)
Particularly, it is in the Taylor series expansion of the functional exponential
e^{i S[φ']}=e^{i S[φ+iα]} . Can anybody please tell me about the expansion? I have searched and haven't found anything quite helpful on the net. Thank you.
 
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Paul Colby said:
##e^x = \sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{x^n}{n!}##
I believe that is a power series expansion. The final answer should contain the exponential still since, we have to relate it to the path integral. I have just started learning the functional formalism and I wanted to know whether,
##F[\phi']=F[\phi+\epsilon]=F[\phi]+\epsilon\left.\frac{dF}{d\phi'}\right|_{\phi'=\phi}+O(\epsilon^2)##
Which I believe is the functional analog of the Taylor series expansion, is correct and if the differential is indeed given by,
##\frac{dF}{d\phi'}=\int d^4y \:\varepsilon(y) \frac{\delta F[\phi(x)]}{\delta\phi(y)}##
Should ##\epsilon## and ##\varepsilon## be the same or should one of them be omitted. Or is the formula incorrect?
 
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Paul Colby said:
##e^x = \sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{x^n}{n!}##
It is not helpful to quote an obvious result with no clarification on how to apply it to the given use case.
 
You should give Mark Srednicki's textbook on QFT a try.
 
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