Quantum Field Theory for the Gifted Amateur Exercise 1.6 Hunt the Papertiger

Craving a deep dive into the intricate world of Quantum Field Theory (QFT)? Follow me as we dissect a seemingly complex equation and arrive at an awe-inducing conclusion.

Table of Contents

## The Genesis: Our Original Equation

In the realm of QFT, Exercise 1.6 presents us with a stimulating challenge. It begins with a functional, $Z_0[J]$ , described by the equation:

$Z_0[J]=\exp \left(-\frac{1}{2} \int \mathrm{d}^4 x \mathrm{~d}^4 y J(x) \Delta(x-y) J(y)\right)$

It adds an intriguing twist: $\Delta(x) = \Delta(-x)$ .

Our quest? To prove that:

$\frac{\delta Z_0[J]}{\delta J\left(z_1\right)}=-\left[\int \mathrm{d}^4 y \Delta\left(z_1-y\right) J(y)\right] Z_0[J]$

## The Journey Begins: Unwrapping the Functional

### The Derivative: Starting with First Principles

The first step of the solution focuses on the definition of the derivative of $Z_0[J]$ . Let’s not take this step for granted; it’s what makes the entire solution tick.

$\frac{\delta Z_0[J]}{\delta J\left(z_1\right)} = \lim_{\epsilon \rightarrow 0} \frac{Z_0[J + \epsilon \delta(z_1,x)] - Z_0[J]}{\epsilon}$

### Digging into the Expansion: The Devil’s in the Details

This is where the real fun begins. We will start by considering what $Z_0[J + \epsilon \delta(z_1,x)]$ really means. Our initial functional $Z_0[J]$ is given by

$Z_0[J] = \exp \left( -\frac{1}{2} \int \mathrm{d}^4 x \mathrm{d}^4 y J(x) \Delta(x-y) J(y) \right)$

So, $Z_0[J + \epsilon \delta(z_1,x)]$ is

$\exp \left( -\frac{1}{2} \int \mathrm{d}^4 x \mathrm{d}^4 y [J(x)+ \epsilon \delta(z_1,x)] \Delta(x-y) [J(y)+ \epsilon \delta(z_1,y)] \right)$

Expanding, we get multiple terms, but remember that we are only interested in the terms linear in $\epsilon$ because we will be taking a limit as $\epsilon \rightarrow 0$ . And due to the even property of $\Delta(x)=\Delta(-x)$ , we can simplify and eliminate some terms. So we have:

$Z_0[J + \epsilon \delta(z_1,x)] \approx Z_0[J] \left( 1 - \int \mathrm{d}^4 x \mathrm{d}^4 y \delta(z_1, x) \Delta(x-y) J(y) \right)$

### Zeroing In On The Solution

The following steps unravel the proof:

$\begin{aligned} & \frac{\delta Z_0[J]}{\delta J\left(z_1\right)} = \lim _{\epsilon \rightarrow 0} \frac{Z_0[J+\epsilon \delta(z_1, x)] - Z_0[J]}{\epsilon} \\ & = \lim _{\epsilon \rightarrow 0} \frac{\exp \left(-\frac{1}{2} \int \mathrm{d}^4 x \mathrm{~d}^4 y (J(x) + \epsilon \delta(z_1, x)) \Delta(x-y) (J(y) + \epsilon \delta(z_1, y)) \right) - Z_0[J]}{\epsilon} \\ & = \lim _{\epsilon \rightarrow 0} \frac{Z_0[J] \left(1 - \epsilon \int \mathrm{d}^4 x \mathrm{~d}^4 y \delta(z_1, x) \Delta(x-y) J(y)\right) - Z_0[J]}{\epsilon} \\ & = -\left[\int \mathrm{d}^4 y \Delta\left(z_1-y\right) J(y)\right] Z_0[J] \end{aligned}$

## Why Does This Matter? An Epilogue

You may wonder why the quest for this proof is worth the ink it’s written with. It’s because this very equation is a cornerstone in the breathtaking structure of QFT. It serves as a doorway to understanding interactions at the quantum level, offering a nuanced lens through which to explore the nature of particles and fields.

So, my gifted amateur, you’re not just solving an equation. You’re unlocking a piece of the universe’s hidden code. As we wrap up, you can revel in your newfound wisdom and get excited for more quantum quests that lie ahead.

Do you have what it takes to explore further? Share your thoughts or questions below, and let’s keep this intellectual party going!

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