The methods to evaluate barrier penetration effects, in the semi-classical limit are generalized to quantum field theory (QFT). Since barrier penetration is associated with classical motion in imaginary time, the QFT is considered in its Euclidean formulation. In the representation of QFT in terms of field integrals, in the semi-classical limit, barrier penetration is related to finite action solutions (instantons) of the classical field equations. The evaluation of instanton contributions at leading order is explained, the main new problem arising from ultraviolet divergences. The lifetime of metastable states is related to the imaginary part of the ‘ground state’ energy. However, for later purpose, it is useful to calculate the imaginary part not only of the vacuum amplitude, but also of correlation functions. In the case of the vacuum amplitude, the instanton contribution is proportional to the space–time volume. Therefore, dividing by the volume, one obtains the probability per unit time and unit volume of a metastable pseudo-vacuum to decay. A scalar field theory with a φ4 interaction, generalization of the quartic anharmonic oscillator is discussed in two and three dimensions, dimensions in which the theory is super-renormalizable, then more general scalar field theories are considered.
Classical limit of time-dependent quantum field theory — a Schwinger–Dyson approach