Error in Modern Theory of Critical Phenomena by Shang-Keng Ma

In summary, the author Shang - Keng Ma discusses the concept of Fourier transforms in his book Modern theory of critical phenomena on page 17. He explains that the inversion of a continual Fourier transform results in a discrete Fourier transform when the x-domain is bounded. This is similar to an ordinary Fourier series for functions on a bounded or periodic domain, where the k-domain becomes discrete.
  • #1
matematikuvol
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In book Modern theory of critical phenomena author Shang - Keng Ma in page 17.

[tex]\sigma_{\vec{k}}=V^{-\frac{1}{2}}\int d^3\vec{x}e^{-i\vec{k}\cdot\vec{x}}\sigma(\vec{x})[/tex]

[tex]\sigma(\vec{x})=V^{-\frac{1}{2}}\sum_{\vec{k}}e^{i\vec{k}\cdot \vec{x}}\sigma_{\vec{k}}[/tex]

Is this correct? How can inversion of continual FT be discrete FT? Thanks for your answer.
 
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  • #2
The sum is to be understood as an integral over a comb of very narrow functions which approach delta functions in the limit V to infinity, i.e. think of the FT of a product of a periodic function with a rectangle of width V.
The integral over the delta functions is then equivalent to a sum over their locations.
 
  • #3
matematikuvol said:
In book Modern theory of critical phenomena author Shang - Keng Ma in page 17.

[tex]\sigma_{\vec{k}}=V^{-\frac{1}{2}}\int d^3\vec{x}e^{-i\vec{k}\cdot\vec{x}}\sigma(\vec{x})[/tex]

[tex]\sigma(\vec{x})=V^{-\frac{1}{2}}\sum_{\vec{k}}e^{i\vec{k}\cdot \vec{x}}\sigma_{\vec{k}}[/tex]

Is this correct? How can inversion of continual FT be discrete FT? Thanks for your answer.

If the x-domain is bounded, the k-domain will be discrete. This is what happens for an ordinary Fourier series for functions on a bounded domain, or periodic:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourier_series
 

Related to Error in Modern Theory of Critical Phenomena by Shang-Keng Ma

1. What is the "Modern Theory of Critical Phenomena" by Shang-Keng Ma?

The Modern Theory of Critical Phenomena is a theoretical framework developed by physicist Shang-Keng Ma to explain the behavior of matter near critical points, where a system undergoes a phase transition. It combines ideas from statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, and field theory to describe the universal behavior of critical phenomena.

2. What is the main error in Ma's theory?

The main error in Ma's theory is the neglect of certain higher-order terms in the theory's expansion. These terms, known as "irrelevant operators", were thought to have a negligible effect on the behavior of critical phenomena. However, later studies showed that these terms can have a significant impact on the behavior of certain systems.

3. How does this error affect the validity of Ma's theory?

This error undermines the validity of Ma's theory in certain cases, particularly in cases where the neglected terms have a strong influence on the behavior of critical phenomena. It also limits the predictive power of the theory, as it cannot accurately describe the behavior of systems where these terms are important.

4. Has this error been corrected in more recent theories?

Yes, this error has been addressed and corrected in newer theories, such as the renormalization group theory. These theories take into account the effects of the previously neglected terms and have been successful in explaining the behavior of critical phenomena in a wider range of systems.

5. Are there any other potential errors in Ma's theory?

Aside from the neglect of irrelevant operators, there may be other potential errors in Ma's theory that have yet to be discovered. As with any scientific theory, it is subject to scrutiny and refinement as new evidence and ideas emerge. However, Ma's theory remains a significant contribution to the understanding of critical phenomena and continues to be a valuable tool in the study of phase transitions.

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