Integration in path integral formalism?

This will result in a Gaussian integral which can be evaluated using standard techniques. The final result will be a function of the matrix elements A_{rs} and the Lagrange multipliers L_r. In summary, the integral is calculated by using the partial derivative of the integral with respect to the Lagrange multipliers, completing the square, and evaluating the resulting Gaussian integral.
  • #1
physengineer
21
0
Hi,

Does anyone know how this integral is calculated

[tex]\int[dx] x_i x_j \exp \{ - (\frac{1}{2} \sum_{rs} A_{rs}x_r x_s+\sum_r L_r x_r ) \}[/tex]

Thanks
 
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  • #2
First note that

[tex]
\int[dx] x_i x_j \exp \{ - (\frac{1}{2} \sum_{rs} A_{rs}x_r x_s+\sum_r L_r x_r ) \} = \frac{\partial}{\partial L_i} \frac{\partial}{\partial L_j} \int[dx]\exp \{ - (\frac{1}{2} \sum_{rs} A_{rs}x_r x_s+\sum_r L_r x_r ) \} . [/tex]

Now the integral on the RHS above can be performed by completing the square in the exponent.
 

FAQ: Integration in path integral formalism?

What is integration in path integral formalism?

In path integral formalism, integration refers to the process of summing over all possible paths or trajectories to determine the probability of a particular outcome. It is a mathematical tool used in quantum mechanics to calculate the likelihood of a particle moving from one point to another.

How is integration used in path integral formalism?

In path integral formalism, integration is used to calculate the transition amplitude, which represents the probability of a particle moving from one state to another. It involves integrating over all possible paths that the particle could take, taking into account their respective amplitudes and phases.

What is the importance of integration in path integral formalism?

Integration is crucial in path integral formalism because it allows us to calculate the probability of a particle moving from one state to another. It takes into account all possible paths, including those that may seem improbable in traditional mathematical approaches, and provides a more complete understanding of quantum phenomena.

Are there any limitations to integration in path integral formalism?

While integration in path integral formalism is a powerful tool, it does have its limitations. It can be difficult to calculate for complex systems with many particles, and it may not always provide a unique solution. Additionally, it is based on the principle of least action, which may not always accurately describe the behavior of particles.

How does integration in path integral formalism relate to Feynman diagrams?

Feynman diagrams are a visual representation of the integration process in path integral formalism. Each line in the diagram represents a possible path that the particle could take, and the overall diagram is a sum of all these paths. The amplitude and phase of each path are determined by the integration process, and the final result is the sum of all these contributions.

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