Unclear formulation of Ward identity

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the Ward-Takashi identity, specifically the formulation k_{\mu}M^{\mu\nu}=0, which emphasizes the nonphysical nature of the longitudinal polarization of the 4-vector A in quantum electrodynamics (QED). The user expresses confusion regarding the equation -\frac{1}{\alpha}\Box\partial_{\mu}A^{\mu} + \partial^{\mu}\frac{\delta\Gamma}{\delta A^{\mu}} + ie\psi\frac{\delta\Gamma}{\delta\psi} -ie\bar{\psi}\frac{\delta\Gamma}{\delta\bar{\psi}}=0, found in Section 12.1, equation 12.13 of Kaku's "Quantum Field Theory - A Modern Introduction" (1993). The user confirms that the derivation is straightforward by manipulating Z[\eta,\bar{\eta},J^{\mu}] and \Gamma[\psi,\bar{\psi},A^{\mu}].

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  • Understanding of the Ward-Takashi identity in quantum field theory
  • Familiarity with quantum electrodynamics (QED)
  • Knowledge of functional derivatives in the context of quantum field theory
  • Proficiency in manipulating generating functionals such as Z[\eta,\bar{\eta},J^{\mu}] and \Gamma[\psi,\bar{\psi},A^{\mu}]
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  • Study the derivation of the Ward-Takashi identity in quantum field theory
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  • Review Section 12.1 of Kaku's "Quantum Field Theory - A Modern Introduction" for deeper insights
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Physicists, particularly those specializing in quantum field theory and quantum electrodynamics, as well as advanced students seeking to understand the Ward-Takashi identity and its applications in theoretical physics.

IRobot
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Hello,

I am really familiar with the Ward-Takashi identity formulated in the form k_{\mu}M^{\mu\nu}=0 applying the fact that the longitudinal polarization of the 4 vector A is nonphysical (redundant) and should not contribute to the physical amplitudes. But, by opening a test subject on QED, I ran into this formula: -\frac{1}{\alpha}\Box\partial_{\mu}A^{\mu} + \partial^{\mu}\frac{\delta\Gamma}{\delta A^{\mu}} + ie\psi\frac{\delta\Gamma}{\delta\psi} -ie\bar{\psi}\frac{\delta\Gamma}{\delta\bar{\psi}}=0 which is quite unclear for me. \Gamma [\psi,\bar{\psi},A] is the generator of 1PI graphs. Does someone have a reference on the derivation of that, or could show me how to get this?
 
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Section 12.1, eq. 12.13 in Kaku "Quantum Field Theory - A modern introduction" (1993)
 
Thanks, I checked in Kaku's book, and indeed it's not hard to derive, by playing with Z[\eta,\bar{\eta},J^{\mu}] and \Gamma[\psi,\bar{\psi},A^{\mu}].
 

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