Why correlation function decay as power law at critical temperature point?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the correlation function decay at the critical temperature point in Quantum Field Theory (QFT), specifically referencing Schroeder's theory. At the critical point, the correlation function exhibits power law decay, defined by the exponent \(\eta\) in the formula \(G(x) = \frac{1}{x^{d-2+\eta}}\). As the correlation length \(\chi\) approaches infinity, the system's components become increasingly aware of each other's dynamics, leading to algebraic decay rather than exponential decay. This phenomenon occurs because there is no characteristic length scale at the critical point, resulting in a lack of decay over any specific length scale.

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  • Understanding of Quantum Field Theory (QFT)
  • Familiarity with statistical physics and phase transitions
  • Knowledge of correlation functions and their mathematical representations
  • Basic concepts of Euclidean space dimensions
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Researchers and students in theoretical physics, particularly those focusing on Quantum Field Theory, statistical mechanics, and critical phenomena. This discussion is beneficial for anyone seeking to understand the behavior of correlation functions at critical points in phase transitions.

ndung200790
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Please teach me this:
In QTF theory of Schroeder,chapter 13.1 saying:
Just at t=0(t=\frac{T-T_{c}}{T_{c}}),the correlation should decay as power law.
Define the exponent \eta by the formula:
G(x)=\frac{1}{x^{d-2+\eta}}
where d is Euclidien space dimension.
I do not understand why at critical point, the correlation function decay as power law.Please give me a to favour to explain this.
Thank you very much in advance.
 
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I would like to add that I am saying about the second phase transition in statistical physics using method of Quantum Field Theory
 
as one approaches a critical point the correlation length starts increasing, i.e. units farther and farther away becomes aware of each others dynamics.
in math terms the correlation functions \sim e^{-r/\chi}, where \chi is the correlation length, and r is the distance from your origin. this \chi grows as one approaches the critical point.

this feature reaches its maximum at the critical point where \chi \rightarrow \infty, i.e. every part of the system becomes aware of every other part. this is the reason the correlation functions become algebraic from exponential. one can approximately see this effect if one writes r^{-a} = e^{-\frac{r}{r(a\ln{r})^{-1}}}. compare it with e^{-r/\chi}. one sees that in the critical case there is no length scale like \chi. hence correlation functions don't decay over any characteristic length scale. therefore they have algebraic decay, which lacks any length scale.
 

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