Optical theorem in curved space-time quantum field theory

A structural analysis is given of the optical theorem in theS-matrix approach to mutually interacting quantum fields in classical Robertson-Walker universes. As a case study, theφψ ²-interaction of conformally coupled massive (φ) and massless (φ) Klein-Gordon particles is studied. Based on the outgoing massless particles as indicator configuration, the physical interpretation is reduced to the corresponding added-up probabilities. Several examples are discussed in an in-in scheme which has the advantage that only a few non-Minkowskian in-in Feynman diagrams are involved.     

Quantum field theory in curved spacetime

Quantum field theory predicts a number of unusual physical effects in non-Minkowskian manifolds (flat or curved) that have no immediate analogs in Minkowski spacetime. The following examples are reviewed: (1) The Casimir effect; (2) Radiation from accelerating conductors; (3) Particle production in manifolds with horizons, including both stationary black holes and black holes formed by collapse. In the latter examples curvature couples directly to matter through the stress tensor and induces the creation of real particles. However, it also induces serious divergences in the vacuum stress. These divergences are analyzed, and methods for handling them are reviewed.     

The problem of scalar field theory in curved space-time

It is demonstrated that (1) there exist infiniteG ₁ that satisfy Lichnerowicz's conditions (L conditions) in a globally hyperbolic manifold; and, (2) there is noG ₁ in an expanding universe that would satisfy those conditions and that would behave as the ordinary ₁ of flat space whenx x. The author thinks that these results present a serious problem for finding a semiclassical theory of scalar field in curved space-time.     

Quantum mechanics in curved space-time

In this paper, the principles of the general relativity are used to formulate quantum wave equations for spin-0 and spin-1/2 particles. More specifically, the equations are worked in a Schwarzschild like metric. As a test, the hydrogen atom spectrum is calculated. A comparison of the calculated spectrum with the numerical data of the deuterium energy levels shows a significant improvement of the accord, and the deviations are almost five times smaller then the ones obtained with the Dirac theory. The implications of the theory considering the strong interactions are also discussed.Received: 27 January 2005, Revised: 15 April 2005, Published online: 31 May 2005     

Dimensional renormalization of scalar field theory in curved space-time

The regularization and renormalization of an interacting scalar field φ in a curved spacetime background is performed by the method of continuation to n dimensions. In addition to the familiar counter terms of the flat-space theory, c-number, “vacuum” counter terms must also be introduced. These involve zero, first, and second powers of the Reimann curvature tensor R_αβψδ. Moreover, the renormalizability of the theory requires that the Lagrange function couple φ² to the curvature scalar R with a coupling constant η. The coupling η must obey an inhomogeneous renormalization group equation, but otherwise it is an arbitrary, free parameter. All the counter terms obey renormalization group equations which determine the complete structure of these quantities in terms of the residues of their simple poles in n ? 4. The coefficient functions of the counter terms determine the construction of φ² and φ⁴ in terms of renormalized composite operators 1, [φ²], and [φ⁴]. Two of the counter terms vanish in conformally flat space-time. The others may be computed from the theory in purely flat space-time. They are determined, in a rather intricate fashion, by the additive renormalizations for two-point functions of [φ²] and [φ⁴] in Minkowski space-time. In particular, using this method, we compute the leading divergence of the R² interaction which is of fifth order in the coupling constant λ.     

Geometric quantization and quantum field theory in curved space-time

The Kostant-Souriau geometric quantization theory is applied to the problem of constructing a generally covariant quantum field theory. The occupation number formalism for a scalar field is introduced as a semiclassical approximation which is valid in low curvature regions of space-time and which depends on making a particular choice of polarization in the classical phase space of a single massive particle. The application of the formalism to particle creation problems is outlined.     

Quantum stochastic processes in curved space-time

A general scheme of quantum random processes is used for the simplest case of scalar fields in curved space-time. A covariant definition of a stochastic integral is introduced. ItÔ's formula is generalized and covariant Kolmogorov-Klein-Fock equations are obtained. The wave functions are expressed in the form of quantum expectations, and also in the form of path integrals.Translated from Izvestiya Vysshikh Uchebnykh Zavedenii, Fizika, No. 12, pp. 105–110, December, 1978.I should like to take this opportunity of expressing my deep thanks to Yu. S. Vladimirov for constant interest in the work.     

Existence of the S-matrix in quantum field theory in curved space-time

The existence of the S-matrix is proven for particle creation by an external gravitational field of compact support. No infrared divergences occur even for massless quantum fields; in particular, a localized gravitational field always produces a finite expected total number of particles. The results of this paper apply to both boson and fermion fields as well as to more general linear, external potential interactions.     

Gaussian thermo field dynamics

The formalisms of thermo field dynamics and of the gaussian effective potential are used to develop a new way of doing approximate calculations in quantum theories at finite temperature.     

Vacuum in thermo field dynamics

The framework for thermo field dynamics is presented in the axiomatic form. It consists of the conditions for the quantum algebra and the conditions for the vacuum. Choices of nonequilibrium vacuums correspond to nonequilibrium phenomena.     

A local-to-global singularity theorem for quantum field theory on curved space-time

We prove that if a reference two-point distribution of positive type on a time orientable curved space-time (CST) satisfies a certain condition on its wave front set (the classP _M,g condition) and if any other two-point distribution (i) is of positive type, (ii) has the same antisymmetric part as the reference modulo smooth function and (iii) has the same local singularity structure, then it has the same global singularity structure. In the proof we use a smoothing, positivity-preserving pseudo-differential operator the support of whose symbol is restricted to a certain conic region which depends on the wave front set of the reference state. This local-to-global theorem, together with results published elsewhere, leads to a verification of a conjecture by Kay that for quasi-free states of the Klein-Gordon quantum field on a globally hyperbolic CST, the local Hadamard condition implies the global Hadamard condition. A counterexample to the local-to-global theorem on a strip in Minkowski space is given when the classP _M,g condition is not assumed.To a special friend, who saved my life when I was younger, without whom I could not have written this paper.     

Spatially inhomogeneous thermo field dynamics

Non-equilibrium thermo field dynamics is extended to treat spatially inhomogeneous systems. A canonical formalism of thermally dissipative semi-free fields describing spatially inhomogeneous situations is presented. With this formalism, a scheme of perturbative calculations is developed and the “on-shell” renormalization condition is discussed. We illustrate this scheme using a model of particles interacting with impurities and find that the self-consistent renormalization condition gives the kinetic equation for the averaged particle number density as well as the renormalized energy and the dissipative coefficient. It is also shown that this kinetic equation can be reduced to the Boltzmann equation in the gradient expansion approximation.     

Renormalization of a quantum field theory model in a curved space-time with torsion

A quantum field theory model that contains interacting non-Abelian gauge fields, scalar fields, and spinor fields is considered in a curved space-time with torsion. The cone-loop counterterms are found. It is shown that the multiplicative renormalization condition requires a nonminimal coupling of the matter with the gravitational field.Translated from Izvestiya Vysshikh Uchebnykh Zavedenii, Fizika, No. 8, pp. 94–100, August, 1985.     

Micro-local approach to the Hadamard condition in quantum field theory on curved space-time

For the two-point distribution of a quasi-free Klein-Gordon neutral scalar quantum field on an arbitrary four dimensional globally hyperbolic curved space-time we prove the equivalence of (1) the global Hadamard condition, (2) the property that the Feynman propagator is a distinguished parametrix in the sense of Duistermaat and Hörmander, and (3) a new property referred to as the wave front set spectral condition (WFSSC), because it is reminiscent of the spectral condition in axiomatic quantum field theory on Minkowski space. Results in micro-local analysis such as the propagation of singularities theorem and the uniqueness up toC of distinguished parametrices are employed in the proof. We include a review of Kay and Wald's rigorous definition of the global Hadamard condition and the theory of distinguished parametrices, specializing to the case of the Klein-Gordon operator on a globally hyperbolic space-time. As an alternative to a recent computation of the wave front set of a globally Hadamard two-point distribution on a globally hyperbolic curved space-time, given elsewhere by Köhler (to correct an incomplete computation in [32]), we present a version of this computation that does not use a deformation argument such as that used in Fulling, Narcowich and Wald and is independent of the Cauchy evolution argument of Fulling, Sweeny and Wald (both of which are relied upon in Köhler's proof). This leads to a simple micro-local proof of the preservation of Hadamard form under Cauchy evolution (first shown by Fulling, Sweeny and Wald) relying only on the propagation of singularities theorem. In another paper [33], the equivalence theorem is used to prove a conjecture by Kay that a locally Hadamard quasi-free Klein-Gordon state on any globally hyperbolic curved space-time must be globally Hadamard.To my parents     

Perturbation and renormalization in thermo field dynamics

A systematic renormalization procedure used in the perturbative calculation of the real-time causal Green's functions at finite temperature is presented. The formalism of thermo field dynamics is employed throughout, permitting the use of Feynman diagram techniques. The renormalizability by means of the temperature-independent counterterms is proved.