Why do multiparticle states present continuous in spectral function?

Join the discussion
Ask a follow-up here, or get your own question answered by working scientists, mathematicians and engineers — people, not an autocomplete.
Real named experts · corrections over time · the nuance an AI answer skips
1 reply · 2K views
navigator
Messages
42
Reaction score
0
I have learned the fact from Peskin QFT book,that one-particle state presents a delta function form in spectral function at s=m^2,while multiparticle states present a continuous form begin at s=4m^2,but i don't really understand the reason.What cause the difference between one-particle state and multiparticle states?Could someone explain this a bit clearer from the viewpoint of mathematics or physics or both?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Physically, if we have two particles, we can give them equal and opposite three-momentum (of any magnitude). Then their total three-momentum is zero, but their total energy varies continuously from E=2m (when they each have zero three-momentum) up to infinity. Similarly with 3 or more particles.