The use of different bases in QFT

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the differences between the Fock basis and the field basis in Quantum Field Theory (QFT). The Fock basis is defined as a product of single particle states across momentum modes, leading to a Hamiltonian of the form \(\hat H=\int \frac{d^{3}k}{(2\pi)^{3}} [\omega_{k}(\hat a^{\dagger}_{k}\hat a_{k}+\frac{1}{2}\delta^{3}(0))]\). In contrast, the field basis involves the wavefunctional \(\Psi[\phi]\) and results in a Hamiltonian expressed as \(\hat H=\int d^{3}x (-\delta^{2}/\delta \phi^{2}+(\vec\nabla \phi)^{2}+m^{2}\phi^{2})\). The discussion seeks clarity on whether these Hamiltonians and quantum states represent the same physical reality and highlights Hatfield's QFT book as a valuable resource for understanding the Schrödinger approach to QFT.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Quantum Field Theory (QFT)
  • Familiarity with the Fock basis and its mathematical formulation
  • Knowledge of Hamiltonian mechanics in quantum systems
  • Basic concepts of wavefunctionals and field theory
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the differences between Fock basis and field basis in QFT
  • Explore the Schrödinger approach to QFT as presented in Hatfield's book
  • Learn about Hamiltonians in quantum mechanics and their applications in field theory
  • Investigate the implications of wavefunctionals in quantum states
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, graduate students in quantum mechanics, and researchers interested in the foundations of Quantum Field Theory.

unchained1978
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In ordinary QFT, everything is formulated in terms of a Fock basis so when we write [itex]|\psi\rangle[/itex] we mean that this is a product of single particle states covering every momentum mode. This leads to a Hamiltonian that's typically of the form [itex]\hat H=\int \frac{d^{3}k}{(2\pi)^{3}} [\omega_{k}(\hat a^{\dagger}_{k}\hat a_{k}+\frac{1}{2}\delta^{3}(0))][/itex].
Is this Fock basis different from the field basis such that [itex]\langle \phi |\psi\rangle=\Psi[\phi][/itex] where [itex]\Psi[\phi][/itex] is the wavefunctional of the field? (I hope that makes sense the way I've asked it). The Hamiltonian seems to have a different form, in the case of a scalar field
[itex]\hat H=\int d^{3}x (-\delta^{2}/\delta \phi^{2}+(\vec\nabla \phi)^{2}+m^{2}\phi^{2})[/itex]
I don't understand very well whether or not these Hamiltonians and quantum states are really describing the same thing, or what the different forms represent. If anyone could enlighten me I would be extremely grateful.
 
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I don't wish to speculate on an answer, but have you read Hatfield's QFT book ? AFAIK it contains the best presentation on the so-called Schrödinger approach to QFT.
 

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