Klein Gordon Lagrangian -- Summation question

In summary, the Klein Gordon Lagrangian is a mathematical formula used to describe a free scalar field. It is given by \mathcal{L}=\frac{1}{2}\partial_{\mu}\phi\partial^{\mu}\phi-\frac{1}{2}m^2\phi^2 and can also be written as \partial_{\alpha}\phi\partial^{\alpha}\phi or g^{\mu \nu} \partial_{\mu} \phi \partial_{\nu} \phi. This is a summation with the dummy index ##\mu## and is explained in further detail in the provided link.
  • #1
LagrangeEuler
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Klein Gordon Lagrangian is given by
[tex]\mathcal{L}=\frac{1}{2}\partial_{\mu}\phi\partial^{\mu}\phi-\frac{1}{2}m^2\phi^2[/tex]
I saw also this link
https://www.pas.rochester.edu/assets/pdf/undergraduate/the_free_klein_gordon_field_theory.pdf
Can someone explain me, what is
[tex]\partial_{\mu}\phi\partial^{\mu}\phi[/tex]
this is some sumation so I suppose that ##\mu## is dummy index? Right? So is it correct to write
[tex]\partial_{\mu}\phi\partial^{\mu}\phi=\partial_{\alpha}\phi\partial^{\alpha}\phi[/tex]?
 
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  • #2
That's correct, equivalently ##\partial_{\mu} \phi \partial^{\mu} \phi = g^{\mu \nu} \partial_{\mu} \phi \partial_{\nu} \phi## where as usual summation is required over repeated indices.
 
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FAQ: Klein Gordon Lagrangian -- Summation question

What is the Klein Gordon Lagrangian?

The Klein Gordon Lagrangian is a mathematical formulation used in quantum field theory to describe the dynamics of scalar particles. It is a relativistic generalization of the non-relativistic Schrödinger equation and is used to study the behavior of particles with spin zero.

What is the significance of the Klein Gordon Lagrangian?

The Klein Gordon Lagrangian is significant because it allows us to describe the behavior of particles at high energies, where the effects of relativity cannot be ignored. It is also used to study the properties of quantum fields and their interactions with other particles.

What does the summation question in the Klein Gordon Lagrangian represent?

The summation question in the Klein Gordon Lagrangian represents the sum of all possible paths that a particle can take in space and time. This is known as the path integral and is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics.

How is the Klein Gordon Lagrangian derived?

The Klein Gordon Lagrangian is derived from the relativistic energy-momentum relation, which relates the energy and momentum of a particle to its mass and velocity. By applying this relation to the Lagrangian formalism, we can derive the equations of motion for a scalar particle.

What are some applications of the Klein Gordon Lagrangian?

The Klein Gordon Lagrangian is used in various areas of physics, including quantum field theory, particle physics, and condensed matter physics. It is also used in cosmology to study the early universe and in the study of phase transitions and critical phenomena.

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