Algebraic form of Klein Gordon ##\phi^4## vacuum and ladder operators

In summary, there is no explicit algebraic expression for the ground state of the Klein Gordon equation with ϕ^4 interactions, similar to the simple harmonic oscillator ground state wavefunction in quantum mechanics. This has been studied and it is believed that no such explicit solution exists. However, in 1+1 dimensional space-time, a new Hilbert space with a vacuum state can be defined using the GNS construction.
  • #1
QFT1995
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In theory, does an algebraic expression exist for the ground state of the Klein Gordon equation with [itex]\phi^4[/itex] interactions in the same way an algebraic expression exists for the simple harmonic oscillator ground state wavefunction in Q.M.? Is it just that it hasn't been found yet or is it impossible to construct? Also, will the creation and annihilation operators have an explicit differential representation that you can explicitly construct (like for that of the simple harmonic oscillator) or is it not possible?
 
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  • #3
There's no explicit form for the full vacuum [itex]|{\Omega}\rangle[/itex] on there. I was wondering if in principle it can exist as an algebraic expression. Also the creation and annihilation operators are just defined by how they act on the free vacuum [itex]|{0}\rangle[/itex] as an abstract definition. I'm not sure if we can write them down because in QFT, particle number is not conserved.
 
  • #4
QFT1995 said:
ground state of the Klein Gordon equation with ϕ4ϕ4\phi^4 interactions in the same way an algebraic expression exists for the simple harmonic oscillator
The zero dimensional ##\phi^4## interaction is the simple harmonic oscillator with an ##x^4## perturbation. This has been studied. I'm pretty sure there is no explicit solution in any sense.
 
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  • #5
Okay however I was asking if in principle it exists and that we just haven't found it or is it impossible to construct?
 
  • #6
It does not exist (Summers, p.5) but in 1+1 dimensional space time a new Hilbert space with a vacuum state can be defined by the GNS construction (p.7).
 
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Related to Algebraic form of Klein Gordon ##\phi^4## vacuum and ladder operators

1. What is the algebraic form of the Klein Gordon ##\phi^4## vacuum?

The algebraic form of the Klein Gordon ##\phi^4## vacuum is a mathematical representation of the vacuum state in the Klein Gordon field theory. It is written as ##|0\rangle## and represents the lowest energy state of the system.

2. How is the algebraic form of the Klein Gordon ##\phi^4## vacuum related to the ladder operators?

The algebraic form of the Klein Gordon ##\phi^4## vacuum is related to the ladder operators through the creation and annihilation operators. The creation operator, denoted as ##a^\dagger##, acts on the vacuum state to create a particle in the system. The annihilation operator, denoted as ##a##, acts on the vacuum state to remove a particle from the system.

3. What is the significance of the algebraic form of the Klein Gordon ##\phi^4## vacuum in quantum field theory?

The algebraic form of the Klein Gordon ##\phi^4## vacuum is significant in quantum field theory as it allows for the calculation of physical quantities such as correlation functions and scattering amplitudes. It also provides a framework for understanding the creation and annihilation of particles in the system.

4. How is the algebraic form of the Klein Gordon ##\phi^4## vacuum used in perturbation theory?

In perturbation theory, the algebraic form of the Klein Gordon ##\phi^4## vacuum is used to calculate the effects of small perturbations on the vacuum state. This allows for the calculation of higher order corrections to physical quantities and provides a method for studying the behavior of the system in the presence of interactions.

5. Are there any applications of the algebraic form of the Klein Gordon ##\phi^4## vacuum outside of quantum field theory?

Yes, the algebraic form of the Klein Gordon ##\phi^4## vacuum has also been applied in other fields such as statistical mechanics and condensed matter physics. It provides a powerful tool for understanding the behavior of systems with many interacting particles and has been used to study phenomena such as phase transitions and critical behavior.

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