Understanding the Composition Rule and Transformation Law in Weinberg's QFT

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the compatibility of the composition rule (2.3.11) and transformation law (2.5.3) as presented in Weinberg's "Quantum Field Theory." The composition rule states that U(Λ, a) = U(1, a)U(Λ), while the transformation law indicates U(Λ, a)Ψ_{p,σ} = e^{-i(Λp)·a}Σ_{σ'}C_{σ'σ}(Λ, p)Ψ_{Λp,σ'}. The participant questions the phase factor in equation (3.1.1), suggesting it should involve the transformed four-momenta of the particles. This indicates a potential misprint in their version of the text, prompting further clarification on the equations' compatibility.

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  • Familiarity with Quantum Field Theory concepts
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  • Review Weinberg's "Quantum Field Theory" specifically sections 2.3 and 2.5 for detailed understanding
  • Study the implications of phase factors in quantum transformations
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This discussion is beneficial for students and researchers in theoretical physics, particularly those studying Quantum Field Theory and its mathematical foundations.

cosmic dust
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Hello, a confusion has arose during my so far study of the above book.

According to the composition rule (2.3.11) it should be: [itex]U\left( \Lambda ,a \right)=U\left( \mathbf{1},a \right)U\left( \Lambda \right)[/itex] and according to transformation law (2.5.3) and the eigenvalue equation which follows (2.5.1), it should be:

[itex]U\left( \Lambda ,a \right){{\Psi }_{p,\sigma }}={{e}^{-i\left( \Lambda p \right)\cdot a}}\sum\limits_{{{\sigma }'}}{{{C}_{{\sigma }'\sigma }}\left( \Lambda ,p \right){{\Psi }_{\Lambda p,{\sigma}' }}}[/itex]​

Right? If yes, then my question is: how are the above compatible with eq. (3.1.1), since the phase factor that appears in the beginning of the RHS of this equation, contains the untrasformed four-momentums of the particles? Shouldn’t the phase of this factor be the following:

[itex]-i{{a}_{\mu }}\left[ {{\left( \Lambda {{p}_{1}} \right)}^{\mu }}+{{\left( \Lambda {{p}_{2}} \right)}^{\mu }}+... \right][/itex]
?

Thank' s in advance for your replies
 
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Isn't that what it is? That's what it says in my book. Maybe there was a misprint that got corrected.
 
Then obviously my print has some mistakes. Thank’ s a lot Bill_K , now I can continue my study…
 

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