Understanding Peskin's QFT: Deriving Equations (2.35) and (2.54)

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on deriving equations (2.35) and (2.54) from Peskin's Quantum Field Theory (QFT) textbook. The first question addresses the transition from equation (2.35) to (2.36), highlighting the use of dual-space vectors and the delta function in the inner product of states. The second question pertains to the evaluation of integrals involving principal values and semi-cycles, which are crucial for obtaining accurate results in quantum field calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Quantum Field Theory (QFT) principles
  • Familiarity with Peskin's QFT textbook, specifically equations (2.35) and (2.36)
  • Knowledge of delta functions and their properties in quantum mechanics
  • Experience with complex analysis, particularly in evaluating integrals with semi-cycles
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of inner products in Quantum Field Theory, focusing on dual-space vectors
  • Explore the properties and applications of delta functions in quantum mechanics
  • Learn about principal value integrals and their significance in QFT calculations
  • Review complex analysis techniques for evaluating integrals with semi-cycles
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in theoretical physics, particularly those focusing on Quantum Field Theory and its mathematical foundations, will benefit from this discussion.

Beginner_2010
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Homework Statement


Hi,

I have two stupid questions about Peskin's QFT book.

(1) P23, How to derive from (2.35) to (2.36)
(2) P30, How to derive (2.54)

Homework Equations



(1)
peskin_23.gif

(2)
Perskin_30.gif


The Attempt at a Solution



(1) If I consider the dual-space vector, [tex]\langle \mathbf{q} | = \sqrt{2 E_{\mathbf{q} }} \langle 0 | a_{\mathbf{q}}[/tex]

Combine with the ket (2.35), obtain
[tex] <br /> \langle\mathbf{q} | \mathbf{p} \rangle = 2 \sqrt{ E_{\mathbf{q}} E_{\mathbf{p} } } \langle 0 | a_{\mathbf{q}} a_{\mathbf{p}}^{\dag} | 0 \rangle <br /> = 2 \sqrt{ E_{\mathbf{q}} E_{\mathbf{p} } } (2 \pi)^{3} \delta^{(3)} (\mathbf{p} - \mathbf{q}) [/tex]

Therefore
[tex] \langle \mathbf{p} | \mathbf{q} \rangle = \langle \mathbf{q} | \mathbf{p} \rangle^* = 2 \sqrt{ E_{\mathbf{q}} E_{\mathbf{p} } } (2 \pi)^{3} \delta^{(3)} (\mathbf{p} - \mathbf{q})[/tex]

But Peskin's (2.36) has a prefactor [tex]2 E_{\mathbf{p}}[/tex] instead of [tex]2 \sqrt{ E_{\mathbf{q}} E_{\mathbf{p} } }[/tex], is that made to be the convention?

(2) Is that the principal value of integral [tex]\int_{- \infty}^{+\infty} d p^0[/tex] or including the little semi-cycles around [tex]-E_{\mathbf{p}}[/tex] and[tex]+E_{\mathbf{p}}[/tex] ? If includes the semi-cycles, i can get the result

Thank you ^_^
 
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Beginner_2010 said:

The Attempt at a Solution



(1) If I consider the dual-space vector, [tex]\langle \mathbf{q} | = \sqrt{2 E_{\mathbf{q} }} \langle 0 | a_{\mathbf{q}}[/tex]

Combine with the ket (2.35), obtain
[tex] <br /> \langle\mathbf{q} | \mathbf{p} \rangle = 2 \sqrt{ E_{\mathbf{q}} E_{\mathbf{p} } } \langle 0 | a_{\mathbf{q}} a_{\mathbf{p}}^{\dag} | 0 \rangle <br /> = 2 \sqrt{ E_{\mathbf{q}} E_{\mathbf{p} } } (2 \pi)^{3} \delta^{(3)} (\mathbf{p} - \mathbf{q}) [/tex]

Therefore
[tex] \langle \mathbf{p} | \mathbf{q} \rangle = \langle \mathbf{q} | \mathbf{p} \rangle^* = 2 \sqrt{ E_{\mathbf{q}} E_{\mathbf{p} } } (2 \pi)^{3} \delta^{(3)} (\mathbf{p} - \mathbf{q})[/tex]

But Peskin's (2.36) has a prefactor [tex]2 E_{\mathbf{p}}[/tex] instead of [tex]2 \sqrt{ E_{\mathbf{q}} E_{\mathbf{p} } }[/tex], is that made to be the convention?
The delta function is non-zero only when p=q, so Ep=Eq.
(2) Is that the principal value of integral [tex]\int_{- \infty}^{+\infty} d p^0[/tex] or including the little semi-cycles around [tex]-E_{\mathbf{p}}[/tex] and[tex]+E_{\mathbf{p}}[/tex]? If it includes the semi-cycles, I can get the result.
 
Thank you!
 

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