Using Feynman rules to calculate amplitude

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of Feynman rules to calculate Feynman amplitudes, specifically in the context of vacuum Feynman diagrams for $$\phi^4$$ scalar theory. Participants explore the theoretical underpinnings and practical steps involved in this calculation.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the method for applying Feynman rules to calculate amplitudes from a given diagram.
  • Another participant suggests that the process is covered in standard quantum field theory (QFT) textbooks, prompting a question about the source of the original diagram.
  • A participant challenges the classification of the diagrams presented, stating they do not resemble Feynman diagrams.
  • A participant identifies the diagrams as vacuum Feynman diagrams for $$\phi^4$$ scalar theory, referencing Srednicki as a source, but notes that these specific calculations are not included in that text.
  • It is explained that the vacuum "bubble" diagrams contribute to the vacuum-to-vacuum transition amplitude in perturbation theory and that they cancel in the LSZ reduction formula when evaluating S-matrix elements.
  • A detailed mathematical expression is provided for evaluating the diagrams using Feynman rules and dimensional regularization, including a symmetry factor and the final dimensional regularization expression.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the classification of the diagrams or the necessity of the vacuum diagrams in the context of S-matrix elements. Multiple viewpoints regarding the application of Feynman rules and the relevance of the diagrams remain present.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the diagrams and the specific context in which the Feynman rules are applied. The discussion does not resolve the mathematical steps involved in the evaluation process.

Higgsy
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Given a diagram, how is one supposed to apply the feynman rules to calculate the feynman amplitude?
 

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This is explained in any QFT textbook. What book/article did you get your picture from?
 
Those don't look like Feynman diagrams to me.
 
Srednicki. But these are not calculated in srednicki. To clarify, they are the vacuum feynman diagrams for $$\phi ^{4}$$ scalar theory
 
These are vacuum "bubble" diagrams, i.e., they contribute to the vacuum->vacuum transition amplitude in perturbation theory. To evaluate S-matrix elements you don't need them, because they cancel in the LSZ reduction formula via the correct normalization of the scattering amplitude.

To formally evaluate them you just use the Feynman rules and use any regularization procedure you like. Dimensional regularization is pretty convenient also in ##\phi^4## theory. Take the "8 diagram". The vertex stands for ##-\mathrm{i} \lambda/4!##. Then you have 3 ways to connect the first leg at the vertex with another line and then only 1 to connect the remaining legs. Thus you have a symmetry factor ##3##. The final dim-reg expression is.
$$\mathrm{i} V=\frac{\mathrm{i} \lambda \mu^{2 \epsilon}}{8} \int_{\mathbb{R}^d} \frac{\mathrm{d}^d l_1}{(2 \pi)^d} \int_{\mathbb{R}^d} \frac{\mathrm{d}^d l_2}{(2 \pi)^d} \frac{1}{(m^2-l_1^2)(m^2-l_2^2)},$$
where ##d=4-2 \epsilon## is the dimension of space-time.
 

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