Dirac Lagrangian invariance under chiral transformation

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on demonstrating the invariance of the Dirac Lagrangian under chiral transformations in the limit as mass approaches zero. The transformation involves changing the fields using the exponential of the gamma matrices, specifically with the gamma_5 matrix. Participants suggest using the anti-commutation properties of gamma matrices to simplify the expressions, particularly in handling the mass term. The conversation emphasizes that the Baker-Campbell-Hausdorff (BCH) formula is unnecessary, and instead, a series expansion can effectively address the transformation. Ultimately, the goal is to confirm the Lagrangian's invariance through these mathematical manipulations.
ppedro
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Consider the Dirac Lagrangian,

L =\overline{\psi}\left(i\gamma^{\mu}\partial_{\mu}-m\right)\psi,

where \overline{\psi}=\psi^{\dagger}\gamma^{0}, and show that, for \alpha\in\mathbb{R} and in the limit m\rightarrow0, it is invariant under the chiral transformation

\psi\rightarrow\psi'=e^{i\alpha\gamma_{5}}\psi

\psi^{\dagger}\rightarrow\left(\psi^{\dagger}\right)'=\psi^{\dagger}e^{-i\alpha\gamma_{5}}

Attempt at a solution


\begin{array}{ll}<br /> L&#039; &amp; =\overline{\psi}&#039;\left(i\gamma^{\mu}\partial_{\mu}-m\right)\psi&#039;\\<br /> &amp; =\left(\psi^{\dagger}\right)&#039;\gamma^{0}\left(i\gamma^{\mu}\partial_{\mu}-m\right)\psi&#039;\\<br /> &amp; =\psi^{\dagger}e^{-i\alpha\gamma_{5}}\gamma^{0}\left(i\gamma^{\mu}\partial_{\mu}-m\right)e^{i\alpha\gamma_{5}}\psi\\<br /> &amp; =\underset{(i)}{\underbrace{i\psi^{\dagger}e^{-i\alpha\gamma_{5}}\gamma^{0}\gamma^{\mu}\partial_{\mu}e^{i\alpha\gamma_{5}}\psi}}-\underset{(ii)}{\underbrace{m\psi^{\dagger}e^{-i\alpha\gamma_{5}}\gamma^{0}e^{i\alpha\gamma_{5}}\psi}}\\<br /> &amp; =<br /> \end{array}

For (ii) I tried using \exp\left(s\hat{X}\right)\hat{Y}\exp\left(-s\hat{X}\right)=\hat{Y}+s\left[\hat{X},\hat{Y}\right] to get

\begin{array}{ll}<br /> (ii) &amp; =m\psi^{\dagger}e^{-i\alpha\gamma_{5}}\gamma^{0}e^{i\alpha\gamma_{5}}\psi\\<br /> &amp; =m\psi^{\dagger}\left(\gamma^{0}-i\alpha\left[\gamma_{5},\gamma^{0}\right]\right)\psi\\<br /> &amp; =<br /> \end{array}

Can you help me finish this?
 
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Hint: ##\gamma_5## anti-commutes with all gamma matrices, including ##\gamma^0##.
 
Orodruin said:
Hint: ##\gamma_5## anti-commutes with all gamma matrices, including ##\gamma^0##.

I don't see it... Do you mean I should use that in (i) while also applying BCH's formula?
 
ppedro said:
I don't see it... Do you mean I should use the in (i) while also aplying BCH's formula?
There is no point in using the BCH formula. Just use the anti-commutativity.
 
How can I anti-commute with something that's in the exponent?
 
ppedro said:
How can I anti-commute with something that's in the exponent?
Use the series expansion of the exponent.
 
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