The Dyson-Schwinger (DS) equations as a calculational tool in quantum field theory

The High Energy Physics Research Group Department of Mechanical Engineering Science University of Johannesburg invites you to a special seminar by Prof Sandra Klevansky Director: Heidelberg Graduate School for Physics Heidelberg University, Germany The Dyson-Schwinger (DS) equations as a calculational tool in quantum field theory

The Dyson-Schwinger (DS) equations for a quantum field theory in D-dimensional space-time are an infinite sequence of coupled integro-differential equations that are satisfied exactly by the Green’s functions of the theory. This sequence of equations is underdetermined because if the infinite sequence of DS equations is truncated, there are always more Green’s functions than equations. An approach to this problem is to close the finite system by setting the highest Green’s function(s) to zero. One can examine the accuracy of this procedure in D = 0 because in this special case the DS equations are just a sequence of coupled polynomial equations whose roots are the Green’s functions. This procedure raises a general mathematical question: When do the roots of a sequence of polynomial approximants to a function converge to the exact roots of that function? Some roots of the polynomial approximants may (i) converge to the exact roots of the function, or (ii) approach the exact roots at first and then veer away, or (iii) converge to limiting values that are unequal to the exact roots. In this study five field-theory models in D = 0 are examined, Hermitian φ4 and φ6 theories and non-Hermitian iφ3, −φ4, and −iφ5 theories. In all cases the results differ from the exact answers and sophisticated asymptotic techniques are required to increase the accuracy. (Phys. Rev. Lett. 130, 101602 (2023).LEVEL ß Understandable to anyone who has had a course in quantum mechanics or even better field theory. Field theory is the basis for the fundamental theories of physics (particle or condensed matter or other).

DATE: Thursday 10 August 2023
TIME: 11:00 – 12:00
VENUE: UJ on Empire 8th Floor, West Lecture Theatre. Corner Empire, Barry Herzog and Napier Roads (Entrance off Napier)
https://goo.gl/maps/oN3foTDdcrbgSYmU 

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