Using the Green's function for Maxwell

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the time component of the vector potential, A_{0}, in four-dimensional spacetime using the Green's function. The solution provided indicates that A^{0} equals +\frac{q}{4\pi}\frac{1}{\mid\overline{x}\mid}. The Green's function utilized is G_{\mu\nu}=\delta_{\mu\nu}G(x-y), where G(x-y) is defined as \frac{\Gamma(\frac{1}{2}D-2)}{4\pi^{D/2}(x-y)^{(D-2)}}. The user encounters an issue with the integration involving a 3-dimensional delta function in a 4D integral, leading to confusion regarding the extra factors of pi and mod(x) in their calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Green's functions in quantum field theory
  • Familiarity with four-dimensional spacetime concepts
  • Knowledge of delta functions and their properties
  • Proficiency in integral calculus in multiple dimensions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of the massless scalar Green's function in D-dimensional spacetime
  • Learn about the application of delta functions in higher-dimensional integrals
  • Explore the Feynman gauge and its implications in quantum electrodynamics
  • Review techniques for evaluating integrals involving distributions in theoretical physics
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, graduate students in quantum field theory, and anyone working with electromagnetic potentials and Green's functions in higher-dimensional contexts.

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Homework Statement



I need to calculate, in D=4, the time component of the vector potential, A_{0}, given the equation (below) for A_{\mu} with the Green's function, also given below.
The answer is given to be
A^{0}=+\frac{q}{4\pi}\frac{1}{\mid\overline{x}\mid}

Homework Equations



A_{\mu}=\int d^{D}y G_{\mu\nu}(x,y)J^{\nu}
I think G_{\mu\nu} can be used in Feynman gauge as G_{\mu\nu}=\delta_{\mu\nu}G(x-y), where G(x-y)=\frac{\Gamma(\frac{1}{2}D-2)}{4\pi^{D/2}(x-y)^{(D-2)}} is the massless scalar Green's function.

I am given the current as J^{\mu}(x)=\delta^{\mu}_{0}q\delta(\overline{x})

The Attempt at a Solution



What I have done is the following:

A_{0}=\int d^{4}y \delta_{0\nu}G(x-y)\delta^{\nu}_{0}q\delta(\overline{y})=\delta_{0\nu}\delta^{\nu}_{0}G(\overline{x})q
=-\frac{\Gamma(\frac{1}{2}(2))}{4\pi^{2}\mid\overline{x}\mid^{2}}q
A^{0}=-A_{0}=+\frac{q}{4\pi^{2}}\frac{1}{\mid\overline{x}\mid^{2}}

where I treated \delta_{0\nu}\delta^{\nu}_{0}=\eta_{00}=-1

In words, I plug in the definition for the current, solve the integral for the delta function and substitute the definition for the Green's function, evaluated at modx instead of x-y, by means of the change of variable induced by the delta function.
So I get an extra power of pi and of mod(x). Where am I goin wrong?
 
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Thanks for the post! Sorry you aren't generating responses at the moment. Do you have any further information, come to any new conclusions or is it possible to reword the post?
 
You have used a 3-dimensional delta distribution to perform a 4D integral.
 

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