Work

Field theory without Feynman diagrams: One-loop effective actions

Year: 1992

Type: article

Abstract: In this paper the connection between standard perturbation theory techniques and the new Bern-Kosower calculational rules for gauge theory is clarified. For one-loop effective actions of scalars, Dirac spinors, and vector bosons in a background gauge field, Bern-Kosower type rules are derived without the use of either string theory or Feynman diagrams. The effective action is written as a one-dimensional path integral, which can be calculated to any order in the gauge coupling; evaluation leads to Feynman parameter integrals directly, bypassing the usual algebra required from Feynman diagrams, and leading to compact and organized expressions. This formalism is valid off-shell, is explicitly gauge invariant, and can be extended to a number of other field theories.

Source: Nuclear Physics B

DOI: 10.1016/0550-3213(92)90098-v

Author: Matthew J. Strassler

Institutions: SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford University

Language: English

Topic: Particle physics theoretical and experimental studies

Subfield: Nuclear and High Energy Physics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid:

Funders: National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Energy, Nuclear Physics