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Problem Set 2 Quantum Field Theory II

This document outlines an assignment for a quantum field theory course. It includes 4 problems: 1) Show that possible kinetic terms for U(1) and non-Abelian gauge theories are total derivatives. 2) Examine properties of Lie algebras, including identifying an ideal in u(n) and solving problems from a textbook. 3) Solve a textbook problem about Wilson loops and the Coulomb potential. 4) Analyze properties of a massive vector field, including its polarization vectors, equations of motion, propagator, and how its mass term can be made gauge invariant via the Higgs mechanism.

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266 views2 pages

Problem Set 2 Quantum Field Theory II

This document outlines an assignment for a quantum field theory course. It includes 4 problems: 1) Show that possible kinetic terms for U(1) and non-Abelian gauge theories are total derivatives. 2) Examine properties of Lie algebras, including identifying an ideal in u(n) and solving problems from a textbook. 3) Solve a textbook problem about Wilson loops and the Coulomb potential. 4) Analyze properties of a massive vector field, including its polarization vectors, equations of motion, propagator, and how its mass term can be made gauge invariant via the Higgs mechanism.

Uploaded by

belderandover09
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© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Quantum Field Theory II (8.

324) Fall 2013 Assignment 2


Sept. 17, 2013 Due Tuesday Sept. 24, 2013

Please remember to put your name at the top of your paper. Readings Prof. Zwiebachs notes on Lie algebras Peskin & Schroeder chapters 15 and 16 Weinberg vol 2 chapter 15.

Problem Set 2 1. The other possible kinetic term (10 points) Introduce the dual eld strength as = 1 F F 2 (1)

where is fully antisymmetric with 0123 = 1. Then for an Abelian gauge F is gauge invariant and contains two derivatives on A , and thus theory F F could provide a possible kinetic term. The same thing can be said for Tr F for a non-Abelian gauge theory, where now F is an n n traceless Hermitian matrix. In this problem you will show that they are in fact total derivatives. (a) Show that for a U (1) gauge theory F = K F and nd the corresponding K . (b) Show that for a non-Abelian gauge theory F = K Tr F and nd the corresponding K . 1 (3) (2)

2. Lie algebra (15 points) To do this problem, you will nd it useful to consult Prof. Zwiebachs notes on Lie algbras and Peskin & Schroeders section 15.4 Basic facts about Lie Algebras. (a) Exhibit an ideal in the algebra u(n). Conclude that u(n) is not simple. (b) Peskin & Schroeder prob. 15.1 (c) and (d) only. (c) Peskin & Schroeder prob. 15.2. 3. Wilson loop and Coulomb potential (15 points) Peskin & Schroeder prob. 15.3. 4. Massive vector eld (20 points) In Maxwell theory, photon is massless. In this problem we consider a massive vector eld A with a Lagrangian 1 1 L = F F m2 A A 4 2 (4)

(a) According to representation theory of the Lorentz group, a massive spin-1 particle should have three independent degrees of freedom. Find the form of three polarization vectors i (i = 1, 2, 3 labels dierent polarizations) in an arbitrary frame. Choose your basis so that in the rest frame, i have j i the form 0 = 0 and = . i j i (b) Write down equations of motion for A from (4) and show that A indeed only has three independent degrees of freedom. (c) Find the momentum space propagator D (k ) for the massive vector eld A . (d) Take m 0 limit in the answer you found in (c). Do you get the propagator of a Maxwell eld? Why (or why not)? (e) Check that (4) is not gauge invariant. Show that it can be made gauge invariant even for a nonzero mass by introducing a new scalar eld , via the substitution A A . (5) [Note: This seemingly simple mathematical trick in fact has profound physical implications. It is the essence of the so-called Higgs mechanism to generate a mass for a gauge eld (which in turn is essential for understanding superconductivity and weak interactions).]

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