Quantum Field Theory Models Research Articles

Fermionic Casimir effect in a field theory model with Lorentz symmetry violation

In this paper, we evaluate the Casimir energy and pressure for a massive fermionic field confined in the region between two parallel plates. In order to implement this confinement we impose the standard MIT bag boundary on the plates for the fermionic field. In this paper we consider a quantum field theory model with a $CPT$ even, aetherlike Lorentz symmetry violation. It turns out that the fermionic Casimir energy and pressure depend on the direction of the constant vector that implements the Lorentz symmetry breaking.

Warm inflation as a way out of the swampland

We discuss how dissipative effects and the presence of a thermal radiation bath, which are inherent characteristics of the warm inflation dynamics, can evade the recently proposed Swampland conjectures. Different forms of dissipation terms, motivated by both microphysical quantum field theory and phenomenological models, are discussed and their viability to overcome the assumed Swampland constraints is analyzed.

Electrostatic simulation of the Jackiw-Rebbi zero energy state

We present an analogy between the one dimensional Poisson equation in inhomogeneous media and the Dirac equation in one space dimension with a Lorentz scalar potential for zero energy. We illustrate how the zero energy state in the Jackiw-Rebbi model can be implemented in a simple one dimensional electrostatic setting by using an inhomogeneous electric permittivity and an infinite charged sheet. Our approach provides a novel insight into the Jackiw-Rebbi zero energy state and provides a helpful way to visualize and teach this important quantum field theory model using basic electrostatics.

Mathematical developments in the rise of Yang–Mills gauge theories

In this paper I detail three major mathematical developments that led to the emergence of Yang–Mills theories as the foundation for the standard model of particle physics. In less than 10 years, work on renormalizability, the renormalization group, and lattice quantum field theory highlighted the utility of Yang–Mills type models of quantum field theory by connecting poorly understood candidate dynamical models to emerging experimental results. I use this historical case study to provide lessons for theory construction in physics, and touch on issues related to renormalization group realism from a more historical perspective. In particular, I highlight the fact that much of the hard work in theory construction comes when trying to understand the consequences and representational capacities of a theoretical framework.

On quantum quenches at one loop

We study global quenches in a number of interacting quantum field theory models away from the conformal regime. We conduct a perturbative renormalization at one-loop level and track the modifications of the quench protocol induced by the renormalization group flow. The scaling of various observables at early times is evaluated in the regime of rapid quench rates, with a particular emphasis placed on the leading order effects that cannot be recovered using the finite order conformal perturbation theory. We employ the canonical ideas of effective action to verify our results and discuss a potential route towards understanding the late time dynamics.

Topological surprises in de Sitter QFT in two-dimensions

Motivated by the study of soluble models of quantum field theory, we illustrate a new type of topological effect by comparing the constructions of canonical Klein–Gordon quantum fields on the two-dimensional de Sitter spacetime as opposed to its double covering. We show that while the commutators of the two fields coincide locally, the global topological differences make the theories drastically different. Many of the well-known features of de Sitter quantum field theory disappear. In particular, there is nothing like a Bunch–Davies vacuum. Correspondingly, even though the local horizon structure is the same for the two universes, there is no Hawking–Gibbons thermal state. Finally, there is no complementary series of fields.

Wavelets and Renormalization Group in Quantum Field Theory Problems

Using continuous wavelet transform it is possible to construct a regularization procedure for scale-dependent quantum field theory models, which is complementary to functional renormalization group method in the sense that it sums up the fluctuations of larger scales in order to get the effective action at small observation scale (M.V.Altaisky, Phys. Rev. D93(2016) 105043. The standard RG results for $\phi^4$ model are reproduced. The fixed points of the scale-dependent theory are studied in one loop approximation.

Non-equilibrium [formula omitted] theory in open systems as a toy model of quantum field theory of the brain

We investigate non-equilibrium relativistic ϕ4 theory in open systems (the relevant system and the two reservoirs) as a toy model of quantum field theory of the brain, Quantum Brain Dynamics (QBD). We give time evolution equations of quantum fields, that is the Klein–Gordon (KG) equations for background coherent scalar fields and the Kadanoff–Baym (KB) equations for quantum fluctuations. Next we introduce a relativistic kinetic entropy current with the gradient expansion technique and show the H-theorem in the presence of Next-to-Leading-Order self-energy of the coupling expansion and tunneling between systems in d+1 dimensions. Finally we demonstrate numerical simulations with KG and KB equations in 1+1 dimensions. We find that the decoherence (field–particle conversion), the entropy production and the chemical equilibration occur in time evolution of the relevant system and the two reservoirs. We also demonstrate how the background coherent fields transfer between systems. The presented formalism is proposed as a mathematical representation of QBD.

Correlation Functions of the Quantum Sine-Gordon Model in and out of Equilibrium.

Complete information on the equilibrium behavior and dynamics of quantum field theory (QFT) is provided by multipoint correlation functions. However, their theoretical calculation is a challenging problem, even for exactly solvable models. This has recently become an experimentally relevant problem, due to progress in cold-atom experiments simulating QFT models and directly measuring higher order correlations. Here we compute correlation functions of the quantum sine-Gordon model, a prototype integrable model of central interest from both theoretical and experimental points of view. Building upon the so-called truncated conformal space approach, we numerically construct higher order correlations in a system of finite size in various physical states of experimental relevance, both in and out of equilibrium. We measure deviations from Gaussianity due to the presence of interaction and analyze their dependence on temperature, explaining the experimentally observed crossover between Gaussian and non-Gaussian regimes. We find that correlations of excited states are markedly different from the thermal case, which can be explained by the integrability of the system. We also study dynamics after a quench, observing the effects of the interaction on the time evolution of correlation functions, their spatial dependence, and their non-Gaussianity as measured by the kurtosis.

Noncommutative 3-colour scalar quantum field theory model in 2D

We introduce the 3-colour noncommutative quantum field theory model in two dimensions. For this model we prove a generalised Ward–Takahashi identity, which is special to coloured noncommutative QFT models. It reduces to the usual Ward–Takahashi identity in a particular case. The Ward–Takahashi identity is used to simplify the Schwinger–Dyson equations for the 2-point function and the N-point function. The absence of any renormalisation conditions in the large (mathcal {N},V)-limit in 2D leads to a recursive integral equation for the 2-point function, which we solve perturbatively to sixth order in the coupling constant.

From Harmonic Maps to the Nonlinear Supersymmetric Sigma Model of Quantum Field Theory: at the Interface of Theoretical Physics, Riemannian Geometry, and Nonlinear Analysis

Harmonic maps from Riemann surfaces arise from a conformally invariant variational problem. Therefore, on one hand, they are intimately connected with moduli spaces of Riemann surfaces, and on the other hand, because the conformal group is noncompact, constitute a prototype for the formation of singularities, the so-called bubbles, in geometric analysis. In theoretical physics, they arise from the nonlinear sigma -model of quantum field theory. That model possesses a supersymmetric extension, coupling a harmonic map like field with a nonlinear spinor field. In the physical model, that spinor field is anticommuting. In this contribution, we analyze both a mathematical version with a commuting spinor field and the original supersymmetric version. Moreover, this model gives rise to a further field, a gravitino, that can be seen as the supersymmetric partner of a Riemann surface metric. Altogether, this leads to a beautiful combination of concepts from quantum field theory, structures from Riemannian geometry and Riemann surface theory, and methods of nonlinear geometric analysis.

Relativistic quantum optics: The relativistic invariance of the light-matter interaction models

In this article we discuss the invariance under general changes of reference frame of all the physical predictions of particle detector models in quantum field theory in general and, in particular, of those used in quantum optics to model atoms interacting with light. We find explicitly how the light-matter interaction Hamiltonians change under general coordinate transformations, and analyze the subtleties of the Hamiltonians commonly used to describe the light-matter interaction when relativistic motion is taken into account.

Scaled lattice fermion fields, stability bounds, and regularity

We consider locally gauge-invariant lattice quantum field theory models with locally scaled Wilson-Fermi fields in d = 1, 2, 3, 4 spacetime dimensions. The use of scaled fermions preserves Osterwalder-Seiler positivity and the spectral content of the models (the decay rates of correlations are unchanged in the infinite lattice). In addition, it also results in less singular, more regular behavior in the continuum limit. Precisely, we treat general fermionic gauge and purely fermionic lattice models in an imaginary-time functional integral formulation. Starting with a hypercubic finite lattice Λ⊂(aZ)d, a ∈ (0, 1], and considering the partition function of non-Abelian and Abelian gauge models (the free fermion case is included) neglecting the pure gauge interactions, we obtain stability bounds uniformly in the lattice spacing a ∈ (0, 1]. These bounds imply, at least in the subsequential sense, the existence of the thermodynamic (Λ ↗ (aZ)d) and the continuum (a ↘ 0) limits. Specializing to the U(1) gauge group, the known non-intersecting loop expansion for the d = 2 partition function is extended to d = 3 and the thermodynamic limit of the free energy is shown to exist with a bound independent of a ∈ (0, 1]. In the case of scaled free Fermi fields (corresponding to a trivial gauge group with only the identity element), spectral representations are obtained for the partition function, free energy, and correlations. The thermodynamic and continuum limits of the free fermion free energy are shown to exist. The thermodynamic limit of n-point correlations also exist with bounds independent of the point locations and a ∈ (0, 1], and with no n! dependence. Also, a time-zero Hilbert-Fock space is constructed, as well as time-zero, spatially pointwise scaled fermion creation operators which are shown to be norm bounded uniformly in a ∈ (0, 1]. The use of our scaled fields since the beginning allows us to extract and isolate the singularities of the free energy when a ↘ 0.

A Local Causal Model of Spacetime Dynamics

The model of spacetime dynamics proposed here specifies how spacetime emerges, how changes of spacetime propagate, and how changes in spacetime arising from multiple sources accumulate. The overall goal of the model was to achieve maximum compatibility with general relativity and with Einstein’s equation; this goal appears to be achievable except at very small scales, where the discreteness of the units of space matters. The elementary structure of space(-time) that is assumed in this model is a derivative of causal dynamical triangulation. At the elementary level, space consists of a (discrete) number of interconnected space points, each of which is connected to a small number of neighbouring space points. The curvature of spacetime is expressed by the density of these space points and by the arrangement of the connections between them. Dynamics of spacetime (i.e., the emergence of space and the propagation of space changes) dynamically assigns “in-connections” and “out-connections” to the affected space points. Based on the model of the dynamics of curved discrete spacetime, a model of quantum field theory in curved discrete spacetime is described. Emergence and propagation of quantum fields (including particles) are mapped to the emergence and propagation of space changes by utilizing identical paths of in/out space point connections. Compatibility with standard quantum field theory requests the adjustment of the QFT techniques (e.g., Feynman diagrams, Feynman rules, creation/annihilation operators), which typically apply to three in/out connections, to n ＞3 in/out connections.

On Asymptotic Expansions in Spin–Boson Models

We consider expansions of eigenvalues and eigenvectors of models of quantum field theory. For a class of models known as generalized spin boson model we prove the existence of asymptotic expansions of the ground state and the ground state energy to arbitrary order. We need a mild but very natural infrared assumption, which is weaker than the assumption usually needed for other methods such as operator theoretic renormalization to be applicable. The result complements previously shown analyticity properties.

Kelvin wave and knot dynamics on entangled vortices

In this paper, starting from Biot–Savart mechanics for entangled vortex-membranes, a new theory — knot physics — is developed to explore the underlying physics of quantum mechanics. Owning to the conservation conditions of the volume of knots on vortices in incompressible fluid, the shape of knots will never be changed and the corresponding Kelvin waves cannot evolve smoothly. Instead, the knot can only be split. The knot-pieces evolve following the equation of motion of Biot–Savart equation that becomes Schrödinger equation for probability waves of knots. The classical functions for Kelvin waves become wave-functions for knots. The effective theory of perturbative entangled vortex-membranes becomes a traditional model of relativistic quantum field theory — a massive Dirac model. As a result, this work would help researchers to understand the mystery in quantum mechanics.

Productive interactions: heavy particles and non-Gaussianity

We analyze the shape and amplitude of oscillatory features in the primordial power spectrum and non-Gaussianity induced by periodic production of heavy degrees of freedom coupled to the inflaton ϕ. We find that non-adiabatic production of particles can contribute effects which are detectable or constrainable using cosmological data even if their time-dependent masses are always heavier than the scale ̇ ϕ1/2, much larger than the Hubble scale. This provides a new role for UV completion, consistent with the criteria from effective field theory for when heavy fields cannot be integrated out. This analysis is motivated in part by the structure of axion monodromy, and leads to an additional oscillatory signature in a subset of its parameter space. At the level of a quantum field theory model that we analyze in detail, the effect arises consistently with radiative stability for an interesting window of couplings up to of order ≲ 1. The amplitude of the bispectrum and higher-point functions can be larger than that for Resonant Non-Gaussianity, and its signal/noise may be comparable to that of the corresponding oscillations in the power spectrum (and even somewhat larger within a controlled regime of parameters). Its shape is distinct from previously analyzed templates, but was partly motivated by the oscillatory equilateral searches performed recently by the Planck collaboration. We also make some general comments about the challenges involved in making a systematic study of primordial non-Gaussianity.

The Real Problem with Perturbative Quantum Field Theory

The perturbative approach to quantum field theory (QFT) has long been viewed with suspicion by philosophers of science. This article offers a diagnosis of its conceptual problems. Drawing on Norton’s ([2012]) discussion of the notion of approximation I argue that perturbativeQFTought to be understood as producing approximations without specifying an underlying QFT model. This analysis leads to a reassessment of common worries about perturbative QFT. What ends up being the key issue with the approach on this picture is not mathematical rigour, or the threat of inconsistency, but the need for a physical explanation of its empirical success.

Short Review of the Unitary Quantum Theory

The paper proposes a model of a unitary quantum field theory where the particle is represented as a wave packet. The frequency dispersion equation is chosen so that the packet periodically appears and disappears without changing its form. The envelope of the process is identified with a conventional wave function. Equation of such a field is nonlinear and relativistically invariant. With proper adjustments, they are reduced to Dirac, Schroedinger and Hamilton-Jacobi equations. A number of new experimental effects are predicted both for high and low energies.

Recent Mathematical Developments in Quantum Field Theory

This workshop has focused on three areas in mathematical quantum field theory and their interrelations: 1) conformal field theory, 2) constructions of interacting models of quantum field theory by various methods, and 3) several approaches studying the interplay of quantum field theory and gravity