Aspects Of Quantum Field Theory Research Articles

Brownian motion in the Hilbert space of quantum states and the stochastically emergent Lorentz symmetry: A fractal geometric approach from Wiener process to formulating Feynman’s path-integral measure for relativistic quantum fields

This paper aims to provide a consistent, finite-valued, and mathematically well-defined reformulation of Feynman’s path-integral measure for quantum fields obtained by studying the Wiener stochastic process in the infinite-dimensional Hilbert space of quantum states. This reformulation will undoubtedly have a crucial role in formulating quantum gravity within a mathematically well-defined framework. In fact, this study is fundamentally different from any previous research on the relationship between Feynman’s path-integral and the Wiener stochastic process. In this research, we focus on the fact that the classic Wiener measure is no longer applicable in infinite-dimensional Hilbert spaces due to fundamental differences between displacements in low and extremely high dimensions. Thus, an analytic norm motivated by the role of the fractal functions in the Wilsonian renormalization approach is worked out to properly characterize Brownian motion in the Hilbert space of quantum states on a compact flat manifold. This norm, the so-called fractal norm, pushes the rougher functions (physically the quantum states with higher energies) to the farther points of the Hilbert space until the fractal functions as the roughest ones are moved to infinity. Implementing the Wiener stochastic process with the fractal norm, results in a modified form of the Wiener measure called the Wiener fractal measure, which is a well-defined measure for Feynman’s path-integral formulation of quantum fields. Wiener fractal measure has a complicated formula of non-local terms but produces the Klein–Gordon action at the first order of approximation. Using complex integrals to compensate for the removal of non-local terms appearing in higher orders of approximation, the Wiener fractal measure turns into a complex measure and generates Feynman’s path-integral formulation of scalar quantum fields. This brings us to the main objective of this study. Finally, some various significant aspects of quantum field theory (such as renormalizability, RG flow, Wick rotation, regularization, etc.) are revisited by means of the analytical aspects of the Wiener fractal measure.

Recent Developments in Warm Inflation

Warm inflation, its different particle physics model implementations, and the implications of dissipative particle production for its cosmology are reviewed. First, we briefly present the background dynamics of warm inflation and contrast it with the cold inflation picture. An exposition of the space of parameters for different well-motivated potentials, which are ruled out, or severely constrained in the cold inflation scenario, but not necessarily in warm inflation, is provided. Next, the quantum field theory aspects in realizing explicit microscopic models for warm inflation are given. This includes the derivation of dissipation coefficients relevant in warm inflation for different particle field theory models. The dynamics of cosmological perturbations in warm inflation are then described. The general expression for the curvature scalar power spectrum is shown. We then discuss in detail the relevant regimes of warm inflation, the weak and strong dissipative regimes. We also discuss the results predicted in these regimes of warm inflation and how they are confronted with the observational data. We explain how the dissipative dynamics in warm inflation can address several long-standing issues related to (post-) inflationary cosmology. This includes recent discussions concerning the so-called swampland criteria and how warm inflation can belong to the landscape of string theory.

Quantum field theory in a de-Sitter universe transiting to the radiation stage

We study some physical aspects of quantum field theory in a two stage universe starting from the inflationary de Sitter and transiting into the radiation dominated stage. We look into the time evolution of the primordial vacuum states, associated with the (i) comoving and (ii) Bunch-Davies modes. We show how the power spectrum for a comoving observer, obtained from the excitation of the aforementioned states defined in the de Sitter stage, changes as the universe transits into the radiation stage. In addition, we also develop a methodology to transfer the well known result of particle creation in the static de Sitter frame, originating from the aforementioned vacuum states, while the universe makes a transition to the next (radiation dominated) stage.

Mechanisms for the emergence of Gaussian correlations

We comprehensively investigate two distinct mechanisms leading to memory loss of non-Gaussian correlations after switching off the interactions in an isolated quantum system undergoing out-of-equilibrium dynamics. The first mechanism is based on spatial scrambling and results in the emergence of locally Gaussian steady states in large systems evolving over long times. The second mechanism, characterized as `canonical transmutation', is based on the mixing of a pair of canonically conjugate fields, one of which initially exhibits non-Gaussian fluctuations while the other is Gaussian and dominates the dynamics, resulting in the emergence of relative Gaussianity even at finite system sizes and times. We evaluate signatures of the occurrence of the two candidate mechanisms in a recent experiment that has observed Gaussification in an atom-chip controlled ultracold gas and elucidate evidence that it is canonical transmutation rather than spatial scrambling that is responsible for Gaussification in the experiment. Both mechanisms are shown to share the common feature that the Gaussian correlations revealed dynamically by the quench are already present though practically inaccessible at the initial time. On the way, we present novel observations based on the experimental data, demonstrating clustering of equilibrium correlations, analyzing the dynamics of full counting statistics, and utilizing tomographic reconstructions of quantum field states. Our work aims at providing an accessible presentation of the potential of atom-chip experiments to explore fundamental aspects of quantum field theories in quantum simulations.

The fate of discrete 1-form symmetries in 6d

Recently introduced generalized global symmetries have been useful in order to understand non-perturbative aspects of quantum field theories in four and lower dimensions. In this paper we focus on 1-form symmetries of weakly coupled 6d supersymmetric gauge theories coupled to dynamical tensor multiplets. We study the consistency of global 1-form symmetries corresponding to the center of the gauge groups, or subgroups thereof, by activating their background fields, which makes the instanton density fractional. In 6d, an instanton background for a given gauge theory sources BPS strings via tadpole cancelation. The non-trivial 1-form symmetry background configurations contribute to the charge of the BPS strings. However, Dirac quantization imposes restrictions on the consistent 1-form backgrounds, since they can in general lead to and induce fractional charges, thus making (part of) the putative higher-form symmetry inconsistent. This gives explicit criteria to determine whether the discrete 1-form symmetries are realized. We implement these criteria in concrete examples originating from string compactifications. We also corroborate this by finding that a non-trivial fractional contribution is related to states which explicitly break the global 1-form symmetry appearing as massive excitations of the 6d BPS strings. For 6d theories consistently coupled to gravity, this hints at a symmetry breaking tower of states. When the fractional contributions are absent, the F-theory realization of the theories points to the gauging of the 1-form symmetry via the presence of non-trivial Mordell--Weil torsion.

TEORÍA DE CAMPOS NO RELATIVISTAS: DINÁMICA E IRREVERSIBILIDAD

We study aspects of quantum field theory at finite density using techniques and concepts from quantum information theory. We focus on massive Dirac fermions with chemical potential in 1+1 space-time dimensions. Using the entanglement entropy on an interval, we construct an entropic c-function that is finite. This c-function is not monotonous,and incorporates the long-range entanglement from the Fermi surface. Motivated by previous works on lattice models,we next compute the Renyi entropies numerically, and find Friedel-type oscillations. Next, we analyze the mutual in-formation as a measure of correlation functions between different regions. Using a long-distance expansion developed by Cardy, we show how the mutual information detects the Fermi surface correlations already at leading order in the expansion. Finally, we analyze the relative entropy and its Renyi generalizations in order to distinguish states with different charge. We find that states in different superselection sectors give rise to a super-extensive behavior in the relative entropy.

New Aspects of Quantum Field Theories from Quantum Computers

New Aspects of Quantum Field Theories from Quantum Computers

Chern-Weil global symmetries and how quantum gravity avoids them

We draw attention to a class of generalized global symmetries, which we call “Chern-Weil global symmetries,” that arise ubiquitously in gauge theories. The Noether currents of these Chern-Weil global symmetries are given by wedge products of gauge field strengths, such as F2 ∧ H3 and tr( {F}_2^2 ), and their conservation follows from Bianchi identities. As a result, they are not easy to break. However, it is widely believed that exact global symmetries are not allowed in a consistent theory of quantum gravity. As a result, any Chern-Weil global symmetry in a low-energy effective field theory must be either broken or gauged when the theory is coupled to gravity. In this paper, we explore the processes by which Chern-Weil symmetries may be broken or gauged in effective field theory and string theory. We will see that many familiar phenomena in string theory, such as axions, Chern-Simons terms, worldvolume degrees of freedom, and branes ending on or dissolving in other branes, can be interpreted as consequences of the absence of Chern-Weil symmetries in quantum gravity, suggesting that they might be general features of quantum gravity. We further discuss implications of breaking and gauging Chern-Weil symmetries for particle phenomenology and for boundary CFTs of AdS bulk theories. Chern-Weil global symmetries thus offer a unified framework for understanding many familiar aspects of quantum field theory and quantum gravity.

Revisiting the Okubo–Marshak Argument

Modular localization and the theory of string-localized fields have revolutionized several key aspects of quantum field theory. They reinforce the contention that local symmetry emerges directly from quantum theory, but global gauge invariance remains in general an unwarranted assumption to be examined case by case. Armed with those modern tools, we reconsider here the classical Okubo–Marshak argument on the non-existence of a “strong CP problem” in quantum chromodynamics.

Aspects of quantum information in finite density field theory

We study different aspects of quantum field theory at finite density using methods from quantum information theory. For simplicity we focus on massive Dirac fermions with nonzero chemical potential, and work in 1 + 1 space-time dimensions. Using the entanglement entropy on an interval, we construct an entropic c-function that is finite. Unlike what happens in Lorentz-invariant theories, this c-function exhibits a strong violation of monotonicity; it also encodes the creation of long-range entanglement from the Fermi surface. Motivated by previous works on lattice models, we next calculate numerically the Renyi entropies and find Friedel-type oscillations; these are understood in terms of a defect operator product expansion. Furthermore, we consider the mutual information as a measure of correlation functions between different regions. Using a long-distance expansion previously developed by Cardy, we argue that the mutual information detects Fermi surface correlations already at leading order in the expansion. We also analyze the relative entropy and its Renyi generalizations in order to distinguish states with different charge and/or mass. In particular, we show that states in different superselection sectors give rise to a super-extensive behavior in the relative entropy. Finally, we discuss possible extensions to interacting theories, and argue for the relevance of some of these measures for probing non-Fermi liquids.

Quantum control using quantum memory

We propose a new quantum numerical scheme to control the dynamics of a quantum walker in a two dimensional space–time grid. More specifically, we show how, introducing a quantum memory for each of the spatial grid, this result can be achieved simply by acting on the initial state of the whole system, and therefore can be exactly controlled once for all. As example we prove analytically how to encode in the initial state any arbitrary walker’s mean trajectory and variance. This brings significantly closer the possibility of implementing dynamically interesting physics models on medium term quantum devices, and introduces a new direction in simulating aspects of quantum field theories (QFTs), notably on curved manifold.

Graph Calculus and the Disconnected-Boundary Schwinger-Dyson Equations of Quartic Tensor Field Theories

Tensor field theory (TFT) focuses on quantum field theory aspects of random tensor models, a quantum-gravity-motivated generalisation of random matrix models. The TFT correlation functions have been shown to be classified by graphs that describe the geometry of the boundary states, the so-called boundary graphs. These graphs can be disconnected, although the correlation functions are themselves connected. In a recent work, the Schwinger-Dyson equations for an arbitrary albeit connected boundary were obtained. Here, we introduce the multivariable graph calculus in order to derive the missing equations for all correlation functions with disconnected boundary, thus completing the Schwinger-Dyson pyramid for quartic melonic (‘pillow’-vertices) models in arbitrary rank. We first study finite group actions that are parametrised by graphs and build the graph calculus on a suitable quotient of the monoid algebra mathcal {A}[G] corresponding to a certain function space mathcal {A} and to the free monoid G in finitely many graph variables; a derivative of an element of mathcal {A}[G] with respect to a graph yields its corresponding group action on mathcal {A}. The present result and the graph calculus have three potential applications: the non-perturbative large-N limit of tensor field theories, the solvability of the theory by using methods that generalise the topological recursion to the TFT setting and the study of ‘higher dimensional maps’ via Tutte-like equations. In fact, we also offer a term-by-term comparison between Tutte equations and the present Schwinger-Dyson equations.

Quantum correlators in Friedmann spacetimes: The omnipresent de Sitter spacetime and the invariant vacuum noise

We discuss several aspects of quantum field theory of a scalar field in a Friedmann universe, clarifying and highlighting several conceptual and technical issues. (A) We show that one can map the dynamics of (1) a massless scalar field in a universe with power law expansion to (2) a massive scalar field in the de Sitter spacetime, which allows us to understand several features of either system and clarifies several issues related to the massless limit. (B) We obtain a useful integral representation for the Euclidean Green's function for the de Sitter spacetime, by relating it to the solution of a hypothetical electrostatic problem in five dimensions. This is helpful in the study of several relevant limits. (C) We recover that in any Friedmann universe, sourced by a negative pressure fluid, the Wightman function for a massless scalar field is divergent. This shows that the divergence of Wightman function for the massless field in the de Sitter spacetime is just a special, limiting, case of this general phenomenon. (D) We provide a generally covariant procedure for defining the power spectrum of vacuum fluctuations in terms of the different Killing vectors present in the spacetime. This allows one to study the interplay of the choice of vacuum state and the nature of the power spectrum in different coordinate systems, in the de Sitter universe, in a unified manner. (Truncated Abstract; see the paper for full Abstract.)

A philosopher's guide to the foundations of quantum field theory

AbstractA major obstacle facing interpreters of quantum field theory (QFT) is a proliferation of different theoretical frameworks. This article surveys three of the main available options—Lagrangian, Wightman, and algebraic QFT—and examines how they are related. Although each framework emphasizes different aspects of QFT, leading to distinct strengths and weaknesses, there is less tension between them than commonly assumed. Given the limitations of our current knowledge and the need for creative new ideas, I urge philosophers to explore puzzles, tools, and techniques from all three approaches.

Gauge-invariant theories of linear response for strongly correlated superconductors

We present a diagrammatic theory for determining consistent electromagnetic response functions in strongly correlated fermionic superfluids. While a gauge-invariant electromagnetic response is well understood at the BCS level, a treatment of correlations beyond BCS theory requires extending this theoretical formalism. The challenge in such systems is to maintain gauge invariance, while simultaneously incorporating additional self-energy terms arising from strong correlation effects. Central to our approach is the application of the Ward-Takahashi identity, which introduces collective mode contributions in the response functions and guarantees that the $f$-sum rule is satisfied. We outline a powerful method, which determines these collective modes in the presence of correlation effects and in a manner compatible with gauge invariance. Since this method is based on fundamental aspects of quantum field theory, the underlying principles are broadly applicable to strongly correlated superfluids. As an illustration of the technique, we apply it to a simple class of theoretical models that contain a frequency-independent order parameter. These models include BCS-BEC crossover theories of the ultracold Fermi gases, along with models specifically associated with the high-${T}_{c}$ cuprates. Finally, as an alternative approach, we contrast with the path integral formalism. Here, the calculation of gauge-invariant response appears more straightforward. However, the collective modes introduced are those of strict BCS theory, without any modification from additional correlations. As the path integral simultaneously addresses electrodynamics and thermodynamics, we emphasize that it should be subjected to a consistency test beyond gauge invariance, namely that of the compressibility sum rule. We show how this sum rule fails in the conventional path integral approach.

Frölicher-smooth geometries, quantum jet bundles and BRST symmetry

We attempt a clarification of geometric aspects of quantum field theory by using the notion of smoothness introduced by Fr\"olicher and exploited by several authors in the study of functional bundles. A discussion of momentum and position representations in curved spacetime, in terms of generalized semi-densities, leads to a definition of quantum configuration bundle which is suitable for a treatment of that kind. A consistent approach to Lagrangian field theories, vertical infinitesimal symmetries and related currents is then developed, and applied to a formulation of BRST symmetry in a gauge theory of the Yang-Mills type.

Mathematical Aspects of Quantum Field Theory by Edson de Faria and Welington de Melo

Mathematical Aspects of Quantum Field Theory by Edson de Faria and Welington de Melo

Philosophical Aspects of Quantum Field Theory: I

AbstractThis is the first of a two‐part introduction to some interpretive questions that arise in connection with quantum field theories (QFTs). Some of these questions are continuous with those familiar from the discussion of ordinary non‐relativistic quantum mechanics (QM). For example, questions about locality can be rigorously posed and fruitfully pursued within the framework of QFT. A stark disanalogy between QFTs and ordinary QM – the former, but not the latter, typically admit infinitely many putatively physically inequivalent realizations – prompts relatively novel questions, questions about how to understand and adjudicate different strategies for equipping quantum theories with content. Part I sketches the fate of locality and related notions in QFT, then documents the non‐uniqueness unprecedented in ordinary QM but rampant in QFT. Part II presents foundations issues raised by non‐uniqueness.

Philosophical Aspects of Quantum Field Theory: II

AbstractAccording to a regnant criterion of physical equivalence for quantum theories, a quantum field theory (QFT) typically admits continuously many physically inequivalent realizations. This, the second of a two‐part introduction to topics in the philosophy of QFT, continues the investigation of this alarming circumstance. It begins with a brief catalog of quantum field theoretic examples of this non‐uniqueness, then presents the basics of the algebraic approach to quantum theories, which discloses a structure common even to ‘physically inequivalent’ realizations of a QFT. Finally, it introduces and evaluates a handful of strategies for interpreting quantum theories in the face of the non‐uniqueness of their Hilbert space representations.

Interior of a Schwarzschild Black Hole Revisited

The Schwarzschild solution has played a fundamental conceptual role in general relativity, and beyond, for instance, regarding event horizons, spacetime singularities and aspects of quantum field theory in curved spacetimes. However, one still encounters the existence of misconceptions and a certain ambiguity inherent in the Schwarzschild solution in the literature. By taking into account the point of view of an observer in the interior of the event horizon, one verifies that new conceptual difficulties arise. In this work, besides providing a very brief pedagogical review, we further analyze the interior Schwarzschild black hole solution. Firstly, by deducing the interior metric by considering time-dependent metric coefficients, the interior region is analyzed without the prejudices inherited from the exterior geometry. We also pay close attention to several respective cosmological interpretations, and briefly address some of the difficulties associated to spacetime singularities. Secondly, we deduce the conserved quantities of null and timelike geodesics, and discuss several particular cases in some detail. Thirdly, we examine the Eddington–Finkelstein and Kruskal coordinates directly from the interior solution. In concluding, it is important to emphasize that the interior structure of realistic black holes has not been satisfactorily determined, and is still open to considerable debate.