Perturbative quantum field theory (QFT): Algebraic methods

Abstract

Abstract This chapter discusses systematically the algebraic properties of perturbation theory in the example of a local, relativistic scalar quantum field theory (QFT). Although only scalar fields are considered, many results can be easily generalized to relativistic fermions. The Euclidean formulation of QFT, based on the density matrix at thermal equilibrium, is studied, mainly in the simpler zero-temperature limit, where all d coordinates, Euclidean time and space, can be treated symmetrically. The discussion is based on field integrals, which define a functional measure. The corresponding expectation values of product of fields called correlation functions are analytic continuations to imaginary (Euclidean) time of the vacuum expectation values of time-ordered products of field operators. They have also an interpretation as correlation functions in some models of classical statistical physics, in continuum formulations or, at equal time, of finite temperature QFT. The field integral, corresponding to an action to which a term linear in the field coupled to an external source J has been added, defines a generating functional Z(J) of field correlation functions. The functional W(J) = ln Z(J) is the generating functional of connected correlation functions, to which contribute only connected Feynman diagrams. In a local field theory connected correlation functions, as a consequence of locality, have cluster properties. The Legendre transform Γ(φ) [N1]of W(J) is the generating functional of vertex functions. To vertex functions contribute only one-line irreducible Feynman diagrams, also called one-particle irreducible (1PI).