QFT — Michael Luke Lectures · Problem 1

Example: Non-Relativistic Quantum Mechanics ("Second Quantization") — Michael Luke

Physics — QFT · second-quantization-classical-field-theory

Problem

Consider L0=iψ∗∂0ψ+b∇⃗ψ∗⋅∇⃗ψ\mathcal{L}_0 = i\psi^*\partial_0\psi + b\vec{\nabla}\psi^* \cdot \vec{\nabla}\psi as defining a classical field theory. Find the Euler-Lagrange equations. Find the plane-wave solutions, those for which ψ=ei(k⃗⋅x⃗−ωt)\psi = e^{i(\vec{k}\cdot\vec{x}-\omega t)}, and find ω\omega as a function of kk. Although this theory is not Lorentz-invariant, it is invariant under space-time translations and an internal U(1)U(1) symmetry transformation. Thus it possesses a conserved energy, a conserved linear momentum and a conserved charge associated with the internal symmetry. Find these quantities as integrals of the fields and their derivatives. Fix the sign of bb by demanding the energy be bounded below. (As explained in class, in dealing with complex fields, you just turn the crank, ignoring the fact that ψ\psi and ψ∗\psi^* are complex conjugates. Everything should turn out all right in the end: the equation of motion for ψ\psi will be the complex conjugate of that for ψ∗\psi^*, and the conserved quantities will all be real.) (WARNING: Even though this is a non-relativistic problem, our formalism is set up with relativistic conventions; don't miss minus signs associated with raising and lowering spatial indices.)

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