Taylor series expansion of functional

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the Taylor series expansion of a functional in the context of quantum field theory (QFT), specifically focusing on the derivation of the Schwinger Dyson equation for a real free scalar field. Participants explore the application of the Taylor series to the functional exponential in the path integral formalism.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks clarification on the Taylor series expansion of the functional exponential, particularly in the context of the path integral formalism.
  • Another participant presents the standard power series expansion for the exponential function, suggesting it should relate to the path integral.
  • A participant proposes a functional analog of the Taylor series expansion and questions the correctness of the differential expression provided.
  • There is a challenge regarding the relevance of quoting the power series without applying it to the specific problem at hand.
  • A suggestion is made to refer to Mark Srednicki's textbook on QFT for further insights.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing levels of understanding and clarity regarding the application of the Taylor series in this context. There is no consensus on the correctness of the proposed functional analog or the relationship between the variables involved.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the definitions and relationships between the variables in the functional expansion remain unresolved. The discussion does not clarify the applicability of the quoted power series to the specific functional context.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in quantum field theory, particularly those studying the path integral formalism and the derivation of equations like the Schwinger Dyson equation.

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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