Physics 443: Quantum Field Theory I

Homework 1.

1. Problem 1. Commutation relations for free scalar field.

(a) Invert our expressions for real scalar field φ(x), and write ap and a†p in terms of φ(x) and its time

derivative.

(b) Define π(x) = φ̇(x) = ∂t φ(x). Using the commutation relations of ap and a†p , compute equal time

commutators [φ(x, t), φ(x0 , t)], [π(x, t), π(x0 , t)], and [φ(x, t), π(x0 , t)].

(c) Hamiltonian is given by

d3 p
Z
H= Ep a†p ap + constant (1)
(2π)3

Show that |p1 , p2 , ..., pN i is an eigenstate of H. What is the eigenvalue?

(d) Write H in terms of φ(x) and π(x).

(e) Define translation operator T (a) = exp(iP · a), so that T −1 (a)φ(x)T (a) = φ(x − a). Compute

[P µ , φ(x)].

(f) Define P = − d3 xπ(x)∇φ(x). Verify that this is the spatial translation generator.
R

(g) Express P in terms of ap and a†p .