Question about interacting fields

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In summary, David Tong derives the time evolution operator U(t, t_0) according to equations 3.20 and 3.23, and in the limit of t approaching +/- infinity, U is equivalent to the S-matrix. The Hamiltonian for the Yukawa theory is also defined as H_I = g * \int[d^3x * \psi^\dagger \psi \varphi], which leads to a series expansion for U with a leading term of g * \psi^\dagger \psi \varphi. However, in calculating <f|S-1|i>, which is second order in g^2, there are two terms each of \psi^\dagger \psi \var
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creepypasta13
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I had some questions about the equations that David Tong derives in his lecture notes here:
http://www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/user/tong/qft/three.pdf

He gets defines the time evolution operator according to equations 3.20 and 3.23 as
U(t, t[itex]_{0}[/itex]) = T*exp(-i* [itex]\int[/itex][H[itex]_{I}[/itex](t') * dt']) = 1 - i*[itex]\int[/itex][dt' * H[itex]_{I}[/itex](t')] + ...

According to eq 3.26, in the limit as t approaches +/- infinity, U is the same as the S-matrix:

lim <f|U(t[itex]_{+}[/itex], t[itex]_{-}[/itex])|i> = <f|S|i>

but according to eq3.25, the Hamiltonian for the Yukawa theory is:
H[itex]_{I}[/itex] = g * [itex]\int[/itex][d[itex]^{3}[/itex]x * [itex]\psi^{dagger}[/itex] [itex]\psi[/itex] [itex]\varphi[/itex]]

But according to the series expansion formula for U above, and plugging in the Hamiltonian into it, the series expansion for U should be:

U(t, t[itex]_{O}[/itex]) = 1 - i*[itex]\int[/itex][d[itex]^{4}[/itex]x * g*[itex]\psi^{dagger}[/itex] [itex]\psi[/itex] [itex]\varphi[/itex]] + ...

I see that the leading term in g just has the [itex]\psi^{dagger}[/itex] [itex]\psi[/itex] [itex]\varphi[/itex] in it. But in eq 3.46, he calculates <f| S-1| i>, which is SECOND order in g^2. Now it contains two terms each of [itex]\psi^{dagger}[/itex] [itex]\psi[/itex] [itex]\varphi[/itex]

My question is, when he says 'S-1', does he mean "S without the 1st order term" ? Or do he mean "S without the number '1' "? If the former, that would make sense. But the latter makes no sense at all
 
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  • #2
I figured it out. We have the -1 because it corresponds to when |i> = |f>, which gives <i|f>=1, which we want to exclude
 

FAQ: Question about interacting fields

What are interacting fields?

Interacting fields refer to the concept in physics where two or more fields (such as electromagnetic and gravitational fields) can affect each other and influence the behavior of particles within them.

How do interacting fields work?

Interacting fields work by exchanging energy and momentum between each other through particles or force carriers. This interaction can cause changes in the properties or behavior of particles within the fields.

What is the significance of interacting fields?

Interacting fields play a crucial role in understanding the fundamental forces and interactions in the universe. They also help explain the behavior of matter and energy at a microscopic level.

Can interacting fields be observed?

Yes, interacting fields can be indirectly observed through their effects on particles and matter. For example, the interaction between the electromagnetic and weak nuclear fields can be observed in radioactive decay.

How are interacting fields studied in science?

Interacting fields are studied through various theoretical and experimental methods in physics, such as mathematical equations and particle accelerators. Scientists also use computer simulations to model and study the behavior of interacting fields.

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