Static Symmetric Solutions of the Semi-Classical Einstein–Klein–Gordon System

We consider solutions of the semi-classical Einstein–Klein–Gordon system with a cosmological constant $$\Lambda \in \mathbb {R}$$ Λ ∈ R , where the spacetime is given by Einstein’s static metric on $$\mathbb {R}\times \mathbb {S}^3$$ R × S 3 with a round sphere of radius $$a>0$$ a > 0 and the state of the scalar quantum field has a two-point distribution $$\omega _2$$ ω 2 that respects all the symmetries of the metric. We assume that the mass $$m\ge 0$$ m ≥ 0 and scalar curvature coupling $$\xi \in \mathbb {R}$$ ξ ∈ R of the field satisfy $$m^2+\xi R>0$$ m 2 + ξ R > 0 , which entails the existence of a ground state. We do not require states to be Hadamard or quasi-free, but the quasi-free solutions are characterised in full detail. The set of solutions of the semi-classical Einstein–Klein–Gordon system depends on the choice of the parameters $$(a,\Lambda ,m,\xi )$$ ( a , Λ , m , ξ ) and on the renormalisation constants in the renormalised stress tensor of the scalar field. We show that the set of solutions is either (i) the empty set, or (ii) the singleton set containing only the ground state, or (iii) a set with infinitely many elements. We characterise the ranges of the parameters and renormalisation constants where each of these alternatives occur. We also show that all quasi-free solutions are given by density matrices in the ground state representation and we show that in cases (ii) and (iii) there is a unique quasi-free solution which minimises the von Neumann entropy. When $$m=0$$ m = 0 this unique state is a $$\beta $$ β -KMS state. We argue that all these conclusions remain valid in the reduced order formulation of the semi-classical Einstein equation.

Falling from Rest: Particle Creation in a Dropped Cavity

We discuss the process of particle creation in the case of a scalar quantum field confined to a small cavity, initially at rest, which is suddenly dropped in a static gravitational field. We show that, due to the transition from a Schwarzschild to a Minkowski background, as perceived by a comoving observer, field particles are excited out of the quantum vacuum. The density of the created quanta depends on the proper gravitational acceleration as well as on a parameter α≃1/Δt, with Δt representing the typical time duration of the transition. For the specific acceleration profile considered, the energy spectrum of the created quanta roughly resembles a two-dimensional Planckian distribution, whose equivalent temperature mimics the Hawking-Unruh temperature, with the detector acceleration (or the black hole surface gravity) replaced by the parameter cα. We briefly comment on possible issues related to local Lorentz symmetry.

Nonperturbative aspects of spontaneous symmetry breaking

Spontaneous symmetry breaking is studied in the ultralocal limit of a scalar quantum field theory, that is when [Formula: see text] (or infrared limit). In this infrared approximation the theory [Formula: see text] is formally two-dimensional and its Euclidean solutions are instantons. For BPST-like solutions with [Formula: see text], the map between [Formula: see text] in two dimensions and self-dual Yang–Mills theory is carefully discussed.

Perturbative quantum field theory (QFT): Algebraic methods

This chapter discusses systematically the algebraic properties of perturbation theory in the example of a local, relativistic scalar quantum field theory (QFT). Although only scalar fields are considered, many results can be easily generalized to relativistic fermions. The Euclidean formulation of QFT, based on the density matrix at thermal equilibrium, is studied, mainly in the simpler zero-temperature limit, where all d coordinates, Euclidean time and space, can be treated symmetrically. The discussion is based on field integrals, which define a functional measure. The corresponding expectation values of product of fields called correlation functions are analytic continuations to imaginary (Euclidean) time of the vacuum expectation values of time-ordered products of field operators. They have also an interpretation as correlation functions in some models of classical statistical physics, in continuum formulations or, at equal time, of finite temperature QFT. The field integral, corresponding to an action to which a term linear in the field coupled to an external source J has been added, defines a generating functional Z(J) of field correlation functions. The functional W(J) = ln Z(J) is the generating functional of connected correlation functions, to which contribute only connected Feynman diagrams. In a local field theory connected correlation functions, as a consequence of locality, have cluster properties. The Legendre transform Γ(φ) [N1]of W(J) is the generating functional of vertex functions. To vertex functions contribute only one-line irreducible Feynman diagrams, also called one-particle irreducible (1PI).

Dirac Equation-Based Formulation for the Quantum Conductivity in 2D-Nanomaterials

Starting from the four component-Dirac equation for free, ballistic electrons with finite mass, driven by a constant d.c. field, we derive a basic model of scalar quantum conductivity, capable of yielding simple analytic forms, also in the presence of magnetic and polarization effects. The classical Drude conductivity is recovered as a limit case. A quantum-mechanical evaluation is provided for parabolic and linear dispersion, as in graphene, recovering currently used expressions as particular cases. Numerical values are compared with the ones from the literature in the case of graphene under d.c. applied field. In particular, the effect of the sample length and field strength on the conductivity are highlighted.

The L∞ structure of gauge theories with matter

In this work we present an algebraic approach to the dynamics and perturbation theory at tree-level for gauge theories coupled to matter. The field theories we will consider are: Chern-Simons-Matter, Quantum Chromodynamics, and scalar Quantum Chromodynamics. Starting with the construction of the master action in the classical Batalin-Vilkovisky formalism, we will extract the L∞-algebra that allow us to recursively calculate the perturbiner expansion from its minimal model. The Maurer-Cartan action obtained in this procedure will then motivate a generating function for all the tree-level scattering amplitudes. There are two interesting outcomes of this construction: a generator for fully-flavoured amplitudes via a localisation on Dyck words; and closed expressions for fermion and scalar lines attached to n-gluons with arbitrary polarisations.