Why can we apply the symmetries of S-Matrix to part of Feynman diagram

In summary: The author is saying that the sum of all diagrams for a process α--->β with extra vertices inserted corresponding to operators Oa(x),Ob(x),etc is given by the matrix element of the time ordered product of the corresponding Heisenberg-picture operators. This is invariant under the symmetries if S-matrix is invariant.
  • #1
ndung200790
519
0
How can we demonstrate that the symmetries of S-Matrix can be applyed to parts of Feynman diagrams?The S-Matrix is the sum of infinite diagrams,why we know each or part of each diagram has the same symmetries as the symmetries of S-Matrix?
 
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  • #2
They don't always--sometimes you need to sum up multiple diagrams in order to produce a symmetry of the S-matrix. For instance, the Ward-Takahashi identity is not satisfied per-diagram--you need to sum across all insertion points of the photon into the fermion lines in order to show it.

However, the converse is true--if you can show that a relation is true for all diagrams, then it is automatically true for the S-matrix as well (assuming that perturbation theory converges).
 
  • #3
Ward identities (or Ward-Takahashi, Slavnov-Taylor identities) hold order by order in the [itex]\hbar[/itex] expansion if they hold for the full expression, because [itex]\hbar[/itex] enters the theory as an overall factor in the path-integral for generating functions.
 
  • #4
Can Ward Identity ensure that the correspondent sum of diagrams(the sum satisfies the Ward Identity) is invariant under the symmetry transformation(the symmetry of S-Matrix or of Lagrangian)?
 
  • #6
So I do not understand what does author mean in Weinberg's QFT &10.1 when writing:
''One obvious but important use of the theorem quote above(the theorem saying:the sum of all diagrams for a process α--->β with extra vertices inserted corresponding to operators Oa(x),Ob(x),etc is given by the matrix element of the time ordered product of the corresponding Heisenberg-picture operators...) is to extend the application of symmetry principles from S-matrix elements,where all external lines have four-momenta on the mass-shell,to part of Feynman diagrams,with some or all external lines off the mass-shell''
(At the end of the section,he leads to Furry's theorem as an example of charge-conjugate symmetry of sum of diagrams)
 
  • #7
I do not understand why the matrix element of the time ordered product of corresponding Heisenberg-picture operators:

([itex]\Psi[/itex][itex]^{-}_{\beta}[/itex],T{-iO[itex]_{a}[/itex](x),O[itex]_{b}[/itex](y)...}[itex]\Psi[/itex][itex]^{+}_{\alpha}[/itex])

is invariant under the symmetries if S-matrix is invariant?
 

Related to Why can we apply the symmetries of S-Matrix to part of Feynman diagram

1. Why is the S-Matrix important in particle physics?

The S-Matrix, or scattering matrix, is a fundamental concept in particle physics that describes the probability of particles interacting and exchanging energy and momentum. It is used to calculate the outcomes of particle collisions and plays a crucial role in understanding the behavior of subatomic particles.

2. What are the symmetries of the S-Matrix?

The symmetries of the S-Matrix refer to the properties of the matrix that remain unchanged under certain transformations. These include Lorentz invariance, which ensures that the laws of physics are the same for all observers in different frames of reference, and unitarity, which ensures that the total probability of all possible outcomes of a particle interaction is equal to 1.

3. How are the symmetries of the S-Matrix related to the Feynman diagram?

The Feynman diagram is a graphical representation of the terms in the S-Matrix that describe the interactions between particles. The symmetries of the S-Matrix can be applied to parts of the Feynman diagram, allowing for simplification and better understanding of the underlying physics.

4. Can we apply the symmetries of the S-Matrix to any part of the Feynman diagram?

No, the symmetries of the S-Matrix can only be applied to specific parts of the Feynman diagram that correspond to certain physical processes. For example, the symmetries of the S-Matrix cannot be applied to virtual particles, as they do not have a direct physical interpretation.

5. What are the implications of using S-Matrix symmetries on Feynman diagrams?

Using the symmetries of the S-Matrix on Feynman diagrams can help simplify calculations and provide a deeper understanding of the underlying physical processes. It also allows for predictions and tests of new theories in particle physics, as the symmetries must hold true for any valid theory.

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