Nonlocal Quantum Field Theory Research Articles

Doubly special relativity as a nonlocal quantum field theory

In this work, we explore the quantum theories of the free massive scalar, the massive fermionic, and the electromagnetic fields in a doubly special relativity scenario. This construction is based on a geometrical interpretation of the kinematics of this kind of theory. In order to describe the modified actions, we find that a higher (indeed infinite) derivative field theory is needed, from which the deformed kinematics can be read. From our construction, we are able to restrict the possible models of doubly special relativity to those that preserve linear Lorentz invariance. We quantize the theories and also obtain a deformed version of the Maxwell equations. We analyze the electromagnetic vector potential for both an electric pointlike source and magnetic dipole. We observe that the electric and magnetic fields do not diverge at the origin for some models described with an anti–de Sitter momentum space, but they do for a de Sitter space in both problems. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Symmetry-resolved entanglement entropy for local and non-local QFTs

In this paper, we investigate symmetry-resolved entanglement entropy (SREE) in free bosonic quantum many-body systems. Utilizing a lattice regularization scheme, we compute symmetry-resolved Rényi entropies for free complex scalar fields and a specific class of non-local field theories, where entanglement entropy (EE) exhibits volume-law scaling. We present effective and approximate eigenvalues for the correlation matrix used in computing SREE and demonstrate their consistency with numerical results. Furthermore, we explore the equipartition of EE, verifying its effective behavior in the massless limit. Finally, we comment on EE in non-local quantum field theories and provide an explicit expression for the symmetry-resolved Rényi entropies.

Corrected calculation for the non-local solution to the g − 2 anomaly and novel results in non-local QED

We provide the corrected calculation of the (g − 2)μ in non-local QED previously done in the literature. In specific, we show the proper technique for calculating loops in non-local QED and use it to find the form factors F1(q2) and F2(q2) in non-local QED. We also utilize this technique to calculate some novel results in non-local QED, including calculating the correction to the photon self-energy, the modification to the classical Coulomb potential, the modification to the energy levels of the hydrogen atom, and the contribution to the Lamb shift. We also discuss charge dequantization through non-locality, and show that the experimental bounds on the electric charge on Dirac neutrinos, translate into strong flavor-dependent bounds on the scale on non-locality that range between 105−1010 TeV. We also discuss the inconsistencies of unrenormalized non-local Quantum Field Theories (QFTs) and the need for renormalizing them, even when they are free from UV divergences.

A proposed renormalization scheme for non-local QFTs and application to the hierarchy problem

We propose a renormalization scheme for non-local Quantum Field Theories (QFTs) with infinite derivatives inspired by string theory. Our Non-locality Renormalization Scheme (NRS) is inspired by Dimensional Regularization (DR) in local QFTs and is shown to significantly improve the UV behavior of non-local QFTs. We illustrate the scheme using simple examples from the ϕ3\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\phi ^{3}$$\\end{document} and ϕ4\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\phi ^{4}$$\\end{document} theories, then we evaluate the viability of NRS-enhanced non-local QFTs to solve the hierarchy problem using a simplified toy model. We find that non-locality protects the mass of a light scalar from receiving large corrections from any UV sector to which it couples, as long as the non-locality scale Λ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\Lambda $$\\end{document} is sufficiently smaller than the scale of the UV sector. We also find that NRS eliminates any large threshold corrections from the IR sector.

Nonlocal Fractional Quantum Field Theory and Converging Perturbation Series

The main purpose of this paper is to derive a new perturbation theory (PT) that has converging series. Such series arise in the nonlocal scalar quantum field theory (QFT) with fractional power potential. We construct a PT for the generating functional (GF) of complete Green functions (including disconnected parts of functions) Zj as well as for the GF of connected Green functions Gj=lnZj in powers of coupling constant g. It has infrared (IR)-finite terms. We prove that the obtained series, which has the form of a grand canonical partition function (GCPF), is dominated by a convergent series—in other words, has majorant, which allows for expansion beyond the weak coupling g limit. Vacuum energy density in second order in g is calculated and researched for different types of Gaussian part S0[ϕ] of the action S[ϕ]. Further in the paper, using the polynomial expansion, the general calculable series for Gj is derived. We provide, compare and research simplifications in cases of second-degree polynomial and hard-sphere gas (HSG) approximations. The developed formalism allows us to research the physical properties of the considered system across the entire range of coupling constant g, in particular, the vacuum energy density.

Finite quantum field theory and renormalization group

Renormalization group methods are applied to a scalar field within a finite, nonlocal quantum field theory formulated perturbatively in Euclidean momentum space. It is demonstrated that the triviality problem in scalar field theory, the Higgs boson mass hierarchy problem and the stability of the vacuum do not arise as issues in the theory. The scalar Higgs field has no Landau pole.

Non-unitarity of Minkowskian non-local quantum field theories

We show that Minkowskian non-local quantum field theories are not unitary. We consider a simple one loop diagram for a scalar non-local field and show that the imaginary part of the corresponding complex amplitude is not given by Cutkosky rules, indeed this diagram violates the unitarity condition. We compare this result with the case of an Euclidean non-local scalar field, that has been shown to satisfy the Cutkosky rules, and we clearly identify the reason of the breaking of unitarity of the Minkowskian theory.

Quantization of nonlocal fractional field theories via the extension problem

We use the extension problem proposed by Caffarelli and Silvestre to study the quantization of a scalar nonlocal quantum field theory built out of the fractional Laplacian. We show that the quantum behavior of such a nonlocal field theory in $d$-dimensions can be described in terms of a local action in $d+1$ dimensions which can be quantized using the canonical operator formalism though giving up local commutativity. In particular, we discuss how to obtain the two-point correlation functions and the vacuum energy density of the nonlocal fractional theory as a brane limit of the bulk correlators. We show explicitly how the quantized extension problem reproduces exactly the same particle content of other approaches based on the spectral representation of the fractional propagator. We also briefly discuss the inverse fractional Laplacian and possible applications of this approach in general relativity and cosmology.

Nonlocal Scalar Quantum Field Theory—Functional Integration, Basis Functions Representation and Strong Coupling Expansion

Nonlocal quantum field theory (QFT) of one-component scalar field φ in D-dimensional Euclidean spacetime is considered. The generating functional (GF) of complete Green functions Z as a functional of external source j, coupling constant g and spatial measure d μ is studied. An expression for GF Z in terms of the abstract integral over the primary field φ is given. An expression for GF Z in terms of integrals over the primary field and separable Hilbert space (HS) is obtained by means of a separable expansion of the free theory inverse propagator L ^ over the separable HS basis. The classification of functional integration measures D φ is formulated, according to which trivial and two nontrivial versions of GF Z are obtained. Nontrivial versions of GF Z are expressed in terms of 1-norm and 0-norm, respectively. In the 1-norm case in terms of the original symbol for the product integral, the definition for the functional integration measure D φ over the primary field is suggested. In the 0-norm case, the definition and the meaning of 0-norm are given in terms of the replica-functional Taylor series. The definition of the 0-norm generator Ψ is suggested. Simple cases of sharp and smooth generators are considered. An alternative derivation of GF Z in terms of 0-norm is also given. All these definitions allow to calculate corresponding functional integrals over φ in quadratures. Expressions for GF Z in terms of integrals over the separable HS, aka the basis functions representation, with new integrands are obtained. For polynomial theories φ 2 n , n = 2 , 3 , 4 , … , and for the nonpolynomial theory sinh 4 φ , integrals over the separable HS in terms of a power series over the inverse coupling constant 1 / g for both norms (1-norm and 0-norm) are calculated. Thus, the strong coupling expansion in all theories considered is given. “Phase transitions” and critical values of model parameters are found numerically. A generalization of the theory to the case of the uncountable integral over HS is formulated—GF Z for an arbitrary QFT and the strong coupling expansion for the theory φ 4 are derived. Finally a comparison of two GFs Z , one on the continuous lattice of functions and one obtained using the Parseval–Plancherel identity, is given.

Cutkosky rules and perturbative unitarity in Euclidean nonlocal quantum field theories

We prove the unitarity of the Euclidean nonlocal scalar field theory to all perturbative orders in the loop expansion. The amplitudes in the Euclidean space are calculated assuming that all the particles have purely imaginary energies, and afterwards they are analytically continued to real energies. We show that such amplitudes satisfy the Cutkowsky rules and that only the cut diagrams corresponding to normal thresholds contribute to their imaginary part. This implies that the theory is unitary. This analysis is then exported to nonlocal gauge and gravity theories by means of Becchi-Rouet-Stora-Tyutin or diffeomorphism invariance, and Ward identities.

S-Matrix of Nonlocal Scalar Quantum Field Theory in Basis Functions Representation

Nonlocal quantum theory of a one-component scalar field in D-dimensional Euclidean spacetime is studied in representations of S -matrix theory for both polynomial and nonpolynomial interaction Lagrangians. The theory is formulated on coupling constant g in the form of an infrared smooth function of argument x for space without boundary. Nonlocality is given by the evolution of a Gaussian propagator for the local free theory with ultraviolet form factors depending on ultraviolet length parameter l. By representation of the S -matrix in terms of abstract functional integral over a primary scalar field, the S form of a grand canonical partition function is found. By expression of S -matrix in terms of the partition function, representation for S in terms of basis functions is obtained. Derivations are given for a discrete case where basis functions are Hermite functions, and for a continuous case where basis functions are trigonometric functions. The obtained expressions for the S -matrix are investigated within the framework of variational principle based on Jensen inequality. Through the latter, the majorant of S (more precisely, of − ln S ) is constructed. Equations with separable kernels satisfied by variational function q are found and solved, yielding results for both polynomial theory φ 4 (with suggestions for φ 6 ) and nonpolynomial sine-Gordon theory. A new definition of the S -matrix is proposed to solve additional divergences which arise in application of Jensen inequality for the continuous case. Analytical results are obtained and numerically illustrated, with plots of variational functions q and corresponding majorants for the S -matrices of the theory. For simplicity of numerical calculation, the D = 1 case is considered, and propagator for free theory G is in the form of Gaussian function typically in the Virton–Quark model, although the obtained analytical inferences are not, in principle, limited to these particular choices. Formulation for nonlocal QFT in momentum k space of extra dimensions with subsequent compactification into physical spacetime is discussed, alongside the compactification process.

Continuum modes of nonlocal field theories

We study a class of nonlocal Lorentzian quantum field theories, where the d’Alembertian operator is replaced by a non-analytic function of the d’Alembertian, . This is inspired by the causal set program where such an evolution arises as the continuum limit of a wave equation on causal sets. The spectrum of these theories contains a continuum of massive excitations. This is perhaps the most important feature which leads to distinct/interesting phenomenology. In this paper, we study properties of the continuum massive modes in depth. We derive the path integral formulation of these theories. Meanwhile, this derivation introduces a dual picture in terms of local fields which clearly shows how continuum massive modes of the nonlocal field interact. As an example, we calculate the leading order modification to the Casimir force of a pair of parallel planes. The dual picture formulation opens the way for future developments in the study of nonlocal field theories using tools already available in local quantum field theories.

Aspects of perturbative unitarity

We reconsider perturbative unitarity in quantum field theory and upgrade several arguments and results. The minimum assumptions that lead to the largest time equation, the cutting equations and the unitarity equation are identified. Using this knowledge and a special gauge, we give a new, simpler proof of perturbative unitarity in gauge theories and generalize it to quantum gravity, in four and higher dimensions. The special gauge interpolates between the Feynman gauge and the Coulomb gauge without double poles. When the Coulomb limit is approached, the unphysical particles drop out of the cuts and the cutting equations are consistently projected onto the physical subspace. The proof does not extend to nonlocal quantum field theories of gauge fields and gravity, whose unitarity remains uncertain.

Flowing in Group Field Theory Space: a Review

We provide a non-technical overview of recent extensions of renormalization methods and techniques to Group Field Theories (GFTs), a class of combinatorially non-local quantum field theories which generalize matrix models to dimension $d \geq 3$. More precisely, we focus on GFTs with so-called closure constraint, which are closely related to lattice gauge theories and quantum gravity spin foam models. With the help of recent tensor model tools, a rich landscape of renormalizable theories has been unravelled. We review our current understanding of their renormalization group flows, at both perturbative and non-perturbative levels.

Unitarization and causalization of nonlocal quantum field theories by classicalization

We suggest that classicalization can cure nonlocal quantum field theories from acausal divergences in scattering amplitudes, restoring unitarity and causality. In particular, in “trans-nonlocal” limit, the formation of nonperturbative classical configurations, called classicalons, in scatterings like [Formula: see text], can avoid typical acausal divergences.

Nonlocal quantum field theory without acausality and nonunitarity at quantum level: Is SUSY the key?

The realization of a nonlocal quantum field theory without losing unitarity, gauge invariance and causality is investigated. It is commonly retained that such a formulation is possible at tree level, but at quantum level acausality is expected to reappear at one loop. We suggest that the problem of acausality is, in a broad sense, similar to the one about anomalies in quantum field theory. By virtue of this analogy, we suggest that acausal diagrams resulting from the fermionic sector and the bosonic one might cancel each other, with a suitable content of fields and suitable symmetries. As a simple example, we show how supersymmetry can alleviate this problem in a simple and elegant way, i.e. by leading to exact cancellations of harmful diagrams, to all orders of perturbation theory. An infinite number of divergent diagrams cancel each other by virtue of the nonrenormalization theorem of supersymmetry. However, supersymmetry is not enough to protect a theory from all acausal divergences. For instance, acausal contributions to supersymmetric corrections to D-terms are not protected by supersymmetry. On the other hand, we show in detail how supersymmetry also helps in dealing with D-terms: divergences are not canceled but they become softer than in the nonsupersymmetric case. The supergraphs' formalism turns out to be a powerful tool to reduce the complexity of perturbative calculations.

Nonlocal scalar quantum field theory from causal sets

We study a non-local scalar quantum field theory in flat spacetime derived from the dynamics of a scalar field on a causal set. We show that this non-local QFT contains a continuum of massive modes in any dimension. In 2 dimensions the Hamiltonian is positive definite and therefore the quantum theory is well-defined. In 4-dimensions, we show that the unstable modes of the non-local d'Alembertian are propagated via the so called Wheeler propagator and hence do not appear in the asymptotic states. In the free case studied here the continuum of massive mode are shown to not propagate in the asymptotic states. However the Hamiltonian is not positive definite, therefore potential issues with the quantum theory remain. Finally, we conclude with hints toward what kind of phenomenology one might expect from such non-local QFTs.

Wedge locality and asymptotic commutativity

In this paper, we study twist deformed quantum field theories obtained by combining the Wightman axiomatic approach with the idea of spacetime noncommutativity. We prove that the deformed fields with deformation parameters of opposite sign satisfy the condition of mutual asymptotic commutativity, which was used earlier in nonlocal quantum field theory as a substitute for relative locality. We also present an improved proof of the wedge localization property discovered for the deformed fields by Grosse and Lechner, and we show that the deformation leaves the asymptotic behavior of the vacuum expectation values in spacelike directions substantially unchanged.

CPT violation does not lead to violation of Lorentz invariance and vice versa

We present a class of interacting nonlocal quantum field theories, in which the CPT invariance is violated while the Lorentz invariance is present. This result rules out a previous claim in the literature that the CPT violation implies the violation of Lorentz invariance. Furthermore, there exists the reciprocal of this theorem, namely that the violation of Lorentz invariance does not lead to the CPT violation, provided that the residual symmetry of Lorentz invariance admits the proper representation theory for the particles. The latter occurs in the case of quantum field theories on a noncommutative space–time, which in place of the broken Lorentz symmetry possesses the twisted Poincaré invariance. With such a CPT-violating interaction and the addition of a C-violating (e.g., electroweak) interaction, the quantum corrections due to the combined interactions could lead to different properties for the particle and antiparticle, including their masses.

Non-Pauli effects from noncommutative spacetimes

Noncommutative spacetimes lead to nonlocal quantum field theories (qft's) where spin-statistics theorems cannot be proved. For this reason, and also backed by detailed arguments, it has been suggested that they get corrected on such spacetimes leading to small violations of the Pauli principle. In a recent paper \cite{Pauli}, Pauli-forbidden transitions from spacetime noncommutativity were calculated and confronted with experiments. Here we give details of the computation missing from this paper. The latter was based on a spacetime $\mathcal{B}_{\chi\vec{n}}$ different from the Moyal plane. We argue that it quantizes time in units of $\chi$. Energy is then conserved only mod $\frac{2\pi}{\chi}$. Issues related to superselection rules raised by non-Pauli effects are also discussed in a preliminary manner.