Callan-Symanzik equation for Effective Potential

In summary, the conversation discusses equations (13.24) and (13.25) in Peskin & Schroeder's QFT book, specifically the change from the Callan-Symanzik equation for the Effective Action to the Effective Potential. The relation for constant ##\phi_{cl}## is mentioned as ##\Gamma[\phi_{cl}] = -(VT)\cdot V_{eff}(\phi_{cl})##, equation (11.50) in the book. The conversation then goes on to discuss how to get from (13.24) to (13.25) using a discretized space and defining the quantity V(φ). It is mentioned that getting (13.25) should be obvious after going back
  • #1
thatboi
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Hey all,
I am looking equations (13.24),(13.25) in Peskin & Schroeder's QFT book and I am confused about how they change from the Callan-Symanzik equation for the Effective Action to the Effective Potential. I thought the relation for constant ##\phi_{cl}## was ##\Gamma[\phi_{cl}] = -(VT)\cdot V_{eff}(\phi_{cl})##, equation (11.50) in the book. But making such a substitution into (13.24), I do not understand how to get to (13.25).
Any advice would be appreciated, thanks.
 
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  • #2
First imagine that the space is discretized, so that you can write
$$\int dx\, \phi(x)\frac{\delta}{\delta\phi(x)}\Gamma[\phi]=
\sum_{x=1,2,\cdots} \phi_x \frac{\partial}{\partial\phi_x} \Gamma(\phi_1,\phi_2,\ldots)$$
Then define the quantity
$$V(\phi)=\Gamma(\phi,\phi,\ldots)$$
Clearly
$$\frac{\partial V}{\partial\phi}=\sum_{x}\left(\frac{\partial \Gamma}{\partial\phi_x} \right)_{\phi_1=\phi_2=\cdots=\phi}$$
so
$$\phi\frac{\partial V}{\partial\phi}=
\sum_{x}\phi\left(\frac{\partial \Gamma}{\partial\phi_x} \right)_{\phi_1=\phi_2=\cdots=\phi} =
\left( \sum_{x} \phi_x\frac{\partial \Gamma}{\partial\phi_x} \right)_{\phi_1=\phi_2=\cdots=\phi}$$
Finally turn back to the continuous ##x##, so that the last formula can be written as
$$\left( \int dx\, \phi(x)\frac{\delta}{\delta\phi(x)}\Gamma[\phi]\right)_{\phi(x) =\phi, \; \forall x}
=\phi\frac{\partial V}{\partial\phi}$$
Now getting (13.25) should be obvious.
 
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FAQ: Callan-Symanzik equation for Effective Potential

What is the Callan-Symanzik equation?

The Callan-Symanzik equation is a differential equation that describes how a quantum field theory's parameters, such as coupling constants and masses, evolve with changes in the energy scale. It is essential in the study of renormalization group flows and helps in understanding the behavior of physical systems at different energy scales.

How does the Callan-Symanzik equation apply to the effective potential?

When applied to the effective potential, the Callan-Symanzik equation provides a way to understand how the effective potential changes with the energy scale. This is crucial for studying phenomena such as spontaneous symmetry breaking and phase transitions in quantum field theories.

What is the significance of the beta function in the Callan-Symanzik equation?

The beta function describes how the coupling constants in a quantum field theory change with the energy scale. In the context of the Callan-Symanzik equation for the effective potential, the beta function plays a critical role in determining the scale dependence of the potential and, consequently, the physical predictions of the theory.

Can the Callan-Symanzik equation be solved exactly?

In most cases, the Callan-Symanzik equation cannot be solved exactly due to its complexity. However, approximate solutions can be obtained using perturbative methods or numerical techniques. These approximate solutions provide valuable insights into the behavior of quantum field theories at different energy scales.

Why is the Callan-Symanzik equation important for understanding quantum field theories?

The Callan-Symanzik equation is important because it provides a systematic way to study the scale dependence of physical quantities in quantum field theories. This is essential for understanding phenomena such as asymptotic freedom, confinement, and the behavior of systems near critical points. It also helps in making precise predictions that can be tested experimentally.

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