Are Vacuum Fluctuations and QM Connected in Feynman Diagrams?

In summary, the conversation discussed the relationship between internal lines with no free ends of Feynman diagrams in the perturbative expansion of QFT and the negative kinetic energy of the quantum tunnelling barrier and the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle of QM. The concept of vacuum bubble diagrams being an "effective limit" of standard diagrams for van-der-Waals forces was also mentioned, and it was suggested that this reasoning could potentially be applied in general. It was also noted that vacuum bubble diagrams are irrelevant in calculating correlation functions. The conversation concluded with a reference to a paper by Jaffe which explains this concept.
  • #1
TrickyDicky
3,507
27
How are internal lines with no free ends of Feynman diagrams of the perturbative expansion of QFT related to the quantum tunnelling barrier's negative kinetic energy and the HUP of QM? (if they are related at all)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Not a clue anyone?
Maybe quantum tunnelling is considered not mainstream?
 
  • #3
Good question.

I have to look for a paper from Jaffe which explains that vacuum bubble diagrams (w/o external lines) for the Casimir effect are an "effective limit" of standard 1st order diagrams with external lines for van-der-Waals forces. If this reasoning could be used in general than vacuum bubbles might be irrelevant.
 
  • #4
tom.stoer said:
Good question.

I have to look for a paper from Jaffe which explains that vacuum bubble diagrams (w/o external lines) for the Casimir effect are an "effective limit" of standard 1st order diagrams with external lines for van-der-Waals forces. If this reasoning could be used in general than vacuum bubbles might be irrelevant.

In fact my question wasn't restricted to vacuum bubbles diagrams, I was referring to virtual particles in general.
Vacuum bubbles are irrelevant (cancel) when calculating correlation functions.
 
  • #5
tom.stoer said:
Good question.

I have to look for a paper from Jaffe which explains that vacuum bubble diagrams (w/o external lines) for the Casimir effect are an "effective limit" of standard 1st order diagrams with external lines for van-der-Waals forces. If this reasoning could be used in general than vacuum bubbles might be irrelevant.

You mean http://arxiv.org/abs/hep-th/0503158" [Broken]?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #6
sheaf said:
You mean http://arxiv.org/abs/hep-th/0503158" [Broken]?
exactly, thanks!
 
Last edited by a moderator:

1. What are vacuum fluctuations?

Vacuum fluctuations, also known as quantum fluctuations, are temporary changes in the energy levels of a vacuum. According to quantum mechanics, even a completely empty space is filled with constantly fluctuating energy levels. These fluctuations are a fundamental aspect of quantum mechanics and play a role in many physical phenomena.

2. How do vacuum fluctuations relate to quantum mechanics?

Vacuum fluctuations are a consequence of the uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics. This principle states that there is always a level of inherent uncertainty in the values of certain physical properties, such as position and momentum, at the quantum level. This leads to the constant fluctuations in the energy levels of a vacuum.

3. Can vacuum fluctuations be observed?

No, vacuum fluctuations cannot be directly observed. This is because they occur at a very small scale and are constantly changing. However, their effects can be observed in certain experiments, such as the Casimir effect, which is a measurable force caused by vacuum fluctuations between two closely spaced parallel plates.

4. Do vacuum fluctuations violate the law of conservation of energy?

No, vacuum fluctuations do not violate the law of conservation of energy. This is because the total energy of a vacuum remains constant, even though there are fluctuations in the energy levels. These fluctuations are temporary and do not result in a net gain or loss of energy.

5. How do vacuum fluctuations impact our everyday lives?

Vacuum fluctuations have a very small impact on our everyday lives. They are constantly occurring at the quantum level, but their effects are only noticeable in specific situations, such as in certain experiments or theories in physics. However, without these fluctuations, the laws of quantum mechanics would not be able to accurately describe the behavior of particles and the universe as a whole.

Similar threads

Replies
9
Views
721
Replies
89
Views
3K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
1
Views
732
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
3
Views
717
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
15
Views
1K
Replies
27
Views
2K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
6
Views
391
Replies
134
Views
7K
Replies
33
Views
3K
Replies
75
Views
8K
Back
Top