Wick's Theorm to Feynman Diagrams?

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the process of calculating scattering amplitudes using Wick's Theorem and Feynman Diagrams. The S-Matrix is derived from the interaction Hamiltonian \( H_{int} = g\int d^{3}x\psi^{\dag}\psi\varphi \), leading to the expansion \( S = (-ig)^{2}\int d^{4}xd^{4}yT[\psi^{\dag}(x)\psi(x)\varphi(x)\psi^{\dag}(y)\psi(y)\varphi(y)] \). The application of Wick's Theorem results in three distinct terms, each corresponding to different contractions of the fields involved. This method effectively allows for the computation of scattering amplitudes by selecting the appropriate term and utilizing Feynman Rules.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum field theory and Lagrangian densities
  • Familiarity with Wick's Theorem and its application in scattering theory
  • Knowledge of Feynman Diagrams and Feynman Rules
  • Basic grasp of S-Matrix formalism and time-ordering operator
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and implications of Wick's Theorem in quantum field theory
  • Learn to construct and interpret Feynman Diagrams for various scattering processes
  • Explore the application of Feynman Rules in calculating scattering amplitudes
  • Investigate the role of normal ordering in quantum field theory calculations
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, particularly those specializing in quantum field theory, theoretical physicists working on scattering processes, and students seeking to deepen their understanding of particle interactions and amplitude calculations.

pudilz
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Is this right? To calculate a scattering amplitude for a certain scattering event, you take the term in the wick's expansion of the S-Matrix that suits your situation best. Then you draw a Feynman Diagram that corresponds to the term in the wick's expansion, then just use the Feynman Rules to compute the amplitude. Let's just say for example, you have two free ,spin zero, quantum field theory's given by their Lagrangian Densities.

[tex]L_{real} = \partial_{\mu}\varphi\partial^{\mu}\varphi -m^{2}\varphi^{2}[/tex]
[tex]L_{complex} = \partial_{\mu}\psi\partial^{\mu}\psi^{\dag} - M^{2}\psi^{\dag}\psi[/tex]

And Let's just say for pure example the interaction Hamiltonian between these two fields is:

[tex]H_{int} = g\int d^{3}x\psi^{\dag}\psi\varphi[/tex]

Where [tex]\psi^{\dag}[/tex] is the Hermitian Conjugate. From that we can get the S-Matrix:

[tex]S = Texp(-ig\int d^{4}x \psi^{\dag}\psi\varphi)[/tex]

Where [tex]T[/tex] is the Time-Ordering operator. For ease I'll only go to order [tex]g^{2}[/tex] for the S-Matrix expansion. So the S-Matrix will be:

[tex]S = (-ig)^{2}\int d^{4}xd^{4}yT[\psi^{\dag}(x)\psi(x)\varphi(x)\psi^{\dag}(y)\psi(y)\varphi(y)][/tex]

Using Wick's Theorem, we can calculate

[tex]T[\psi^{\dag}(x)\psi(x)\varphi(x)\psi^{\dag}(y)\psi(y)\varphi(y)][/tex]

To Be 3 different terms:

[tex]N[\psi^{\dag}(x)\psi(x)\psi^{\dag}(y)\psi(y)][/tex][tex]\varphi(x)\varphi(y)[/tex] + [tex]N[\psi^{\dag}(x)\varphi(x)\psi(y)\varphi(y)][/tex][tex]\psi(x)\psi^{\dag}(y)[/tex] + [tex]N[\psi(x)\varphi(x)\psi^{\dag}(y)\varphi(y)][/tex][tex]\psi^{\dag}(x)\psi(y)[/tex]

Where [tex]\varphi(x)\varphi(y)[/tex] is contraction/propagator for the [tex]\varphi[/tex] particle to go from [tex]x[/tex] to [tex]y[/tex], likewise for the other two. [tex]N[/tex] is the Normal Ordering Operator.

Now let's say we have some sort of scattering event between the [tex]\varphi[/tex] and the [tex]\psi^{\dag}\psi[/tex] particles. To get the Amplitude we choose one of the terms in the Wick's expansions that satisfies the initial state the best, draw out the Feynman Diagram being in 1-1 correspondence with the term selected, and then use the Feynman Rules to compute the Amplitude.

Is this right, or somewhat on track? Or I'm I just hopelessly lost and confused?

p.s
I can absolutely assure you this is NOT any type of homework assignment.
 
Last edited:
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I'm just trying to get a better understanding of how to calculate scattering amplitudes. Yes, this is correct. You have provided a good explanation of how to calculate the scattering amplitude for the given scattering event.
 

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