Noether current in quantum field theory

  • #1
CSpring432
1
0
Homework Statement
Finding Noether current for the given action
Relevant Equations
$$J^{\mu}=\frac{\partial L(\phi, \partial (\phi))}{\partial (\partial _{\mu}(\phi)}(\delta_{\alpha}\phi)-F^{\mu}$$
Hi

Have been trying to solve the below question for a while, wondered if anyone could help.

Considering the action

$$S=\int -\frac{1}{2}\sum^2_{n,m=1} (\partial^{\mu}\phi_{nm}\partial_{\mu}\phi_{mn}+m^2 \phi_{nm} \phi_{mn})dx$$
under the transformation

$$\phi'=e^{\alpha}\phi e^{-\alpha}$$

Find the infinitesimal transformation and associated Noether current, where both ##\alpha## and ##\phi## are real 2x2 matrices.

I've managed to find what (I think) is the infinitesimal transformation:

$$e^{\alpha}\phi e^{-\alpha}\approx \phi-\phi \alpha +\alpha\phi+ \mathcal{O}(\alpha^2)$$
$$\therefore \delta_{\alpha}=[\alpha, \phi]$$

I am however, stumped for calculating the Noether constant. I know that I would have to use the formula

$$J^{\mu}=\frac{\partial L(\phi, \partial (\phi))}{\partial (\partial _{\mu}(\phi)}(\delta_{\alpha}\phi)-F^{\mu}$$

The issue, I think, is calculating the covariant derivatives since the phi terms are matrix elements. Any help would be really appreciated.
 
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  • #2
I think that ##\phi## represents four real fields ##\phi_{nm}## and the first term in the Noether current is
$$\sum^2_{n,m=1}\frac{\partial L(\phi, \partial (\phi))}{\partial (\partial _{\mu}(\phi_{nm}))}(\delta_{\alpha}\phi_{nm})$$
 

FAQ: Noether current in quantum field theory

What is a Noether current in quantum field theory?

A Noether current in quantum field theory is a conserved current that arises from a continuous symmetry of the action of a physical system, as described by Noether's theorem. It is associated with the invariance of the action under a continuous transformation, and the conservation law derived from it is a fundamental aspect of the system's dynamics.

How is the Noether current derived?

The Noether current is derived by identifying a continuous symmetry of the action. For a given symmetry transformation parameterized by a small parameter, the variation of the action is calculated. Noether's theorem then states that if the action is invariant under this transformation, there exists a conserved current, which is constructed from the fields and their variations under the symmetry transformation.

What is the significance of Noether's theorem in quantum field theory?

Noether's theorem is significant in quantum field theory because it provides a systematic way to identify conserved quantities associated with symmetries. These conserved quantities, such as energy, momentum, and charge, play crucial roles in the formulation and interpretation of physical theories. The theorem bridges symmetries and conservation laws, which are foundational principles in physics.

Can you give an example of a Noether current?

An example of a Noether current is the electromagnetic current associated with the U(1) gauge symmetry in quantum electrodynamics (QED). The symmetry corresponds to the invariance of the action under local phase transformations of the complex scalar field. The resulting Noether current is the electric current, which is conserved due to the gauge symmetry.

What role does the Noether current play in the quantization of fields?

In the quantization of fields, the Noether current plays a crucial role in defining conserved charges, which correspond to the generators of the symmetry transformations. These charges are used to construct the algebra of observables and ensure the consistency of the quantum theory. The conserved currents and their associated charges help in understanding the symmetries and dynamics of the quantized fields.

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