Basic question: Propagator of a scalar boson

In summary, the conversation discusses the difficulty in finding information on the propagator of a scalar boson, which is often discussed as the first example due to its simplicity. The recommended resource is Wikipedia, which provides the formula for the propagator in momentum space. However, the section on scalar propagator does not explicitly state this formula and instead focuses on a discussion about the correct propagator from a causality perspective. The conversation ends with a clarification from @Orodruin on the nature of propagators as Green's functions of the free theory.
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physciencer
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I have a question that is very basic and could not seem to find it online or I have not searched the right way. What is the propagator of a scalar boson? I found that of a fermion line and that of a vector boson but could not find that of a scalar boson.
 
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Scalar propagators are usually the first to be discussed in any textbook and it is usually taken as the first example because it is free from the finer details in fermion or vector boson propagators. Try http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propagator to start with.
 
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But the very section that contains scalar propagator does not practically have it written there.
 
  • #4
The propagator is written:

[itex] \sim \frac{1}{k^2 - m^2}[/itex]

In momentum space.
 
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physciencer said:
But the very section that contains scalar propagator does not practically have it written there.
It contains a long discussion about which propagator is the correct one from a causality point of view and it is written explicitly several times and in different representations. Perhaps the confusion stems from not being used to seeing propagators as what they really are, i.e., Green's functions of the free theory? This is all discussed under "relativistic propagators".
 
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FAQ: Basic question: Propagator of a scalar boson

What is a propagator in physics?

A propagator is a mathematical function that describes the probability amplitude for a particle to travel from one point in space to another. It is an essential concept in quantum field theory and is used to calculate the behavior of particles in a given physical system.

What is a scalar boson?

A scalar boson is a type of elementary particle that has zero spin and obeys Bose-Einstein statistics. Examples of scalar bosons include the Higgs boson, which is responsible for giving other particles mass, and the pion, which is involved in the strong nuclear force.

How is the propagator of a scalar boson calculated?

The propagator of a scalar boson is calculated using Feynman diagrams, which are graphical representations of interactions between particles. The propagator is derived from the Lagrangian of the particle, which describes its dynamics and interactions with other particles.

What is the significance of the propagator in particle physics?

The propagator is a crucial tool in particle physics as it allows us to make predictions about the behavior of particles in a given system. It is used to calculate the probability of a particle being in a specific state or location at a given time and is essential for understanding the fundamental forces and interactions in nature.

How does the propagator of a scalar boson differ from that of other particles?

The propagator of a scalar boson differs from that of other particles, such as fermions, in its mathematical form. Scalar bosons have a simpler propagator, which is a function of momentum, while fermions have more complex propagators that also depend on spin and other quantum numbers. Additionally, the propagator of a scalar boson is responsible for mediating long-range interactions, while fermions typically mediate short-range interactions.

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