Dynamics of Dollard asymptotic variables. Asymptotic fields in Coulomb scattering

Generalizing Dollard's strategy, we investigate the structure of the scattering theory associated to any large time reference dynamics $U_D(t)$ allowing for the existence of M{\o}ller operators. We show that (for each scattering channel) $U_D(t)$ uniquely identifies, for $t \to \pm \infty$, {\em asymptotic dynamics} $U_\pm(t)$; they are unitary {\em groups} acting on the scattering spaces, satisfy the M{\o}ller interpolation formulas and are interpolated by the $S$-matrix. In view of the application to field theory models, we extend the result to the adiabatic procedure. In the Heisenberg picture, asymptotic variables are obtained as LSZ-like limits of Heisenberg variables; their time evolution is induced by $U_\pm(t)$, which replace the usual free asymptotic dynamics. On the asymptotic states, (for each channel) the Hamiltonian can by written in terms of the asymptotic variables as $H = H_\pm (q_{out/in}, p_{out/in})$, $H_\pm (q,p)$ the generator of the asymptotic dynamics. As an application, we obtain the asymptotic fields $\psi_{out/in}$ in repulsive Coulomb scattering by an LSZ modified formula; in this case, $U_\pm(t)= U_0(t)$, so that $\psi_{out/in}$ are \emph{free} canonical fields and $H = H_0(\psi_{out/in})$.Comment: 34 pages, with minor improvements in the text and correction of misprint

The QED(0+1) model and a possible dynamical solution of the strong CP problem

The QED(0+1) model describing a quantum mechanical particle on a circle with minimal electromagnetic interaction and with a potential -M cos(phi - theta_M), which mimics the massive Schwinger model, is discussed as a prototype of mechanisms and infrared structures of gauge quantum field theories in positive gauges. The functional integral representation displays a complex measure, with a crucial role of the boundary conditions, and the decomposition into theta sectors takes place already in finite volume. In the infinite volume limit, the standard results are reproduced for M=0 (massless fermions), but one meets substantial differences for M not = 0: for generic boundary conditions, independently of the lagrangean angle of the topological term, the infinite volume limit selects the sector with theta = theta_M, and provides a natural "dynamical" solution of the strong CP problem. In comparison with previous approaches, the strategy discussed here allows to exploit the consequences of the theta-dependence of the free energy density, with a unique minimum at theta = theta_M.Comment: 21 pages, Plain Te

Charge density and electric charge in quantum electrodynamics

The convergence of integrals over charge densities is discussed in relation with the problem of electric charge and (non-local) charged states in Quantum Electrodynamics (QED). Delicate, but physically relevant, mathematical points like the domain dependence of local charges as quadratic forms and the time smearing needed for strong convergence of integrals of charge densities are analyzed. The results are applied to QED and the choice of time smearing is shown to be crucial for the removal of vacuum polarization effects responible for the time dependence of the charge (Swieca phenomenon). The possibility of constructing physical charged states in the Feynman-Gupta-Bleuler gauge as limits of local states vectors is discussed, compatibly with the vanishing of the Gauss charge on local states. A modification by a gauge term of the Dirac exponential factor which yields the physical Coulomb fields from the Feynman-Gupta-Bleuler fields is shown to remove the infrared divergence of scalar products of local and physical charged states, allowing for a construction of physical charged fields with well defined correlation functions with local fields

Relativistic Quantum Mechanics and Field Theory

The problems which arise for a relativistic quantum mechanics are reviewed and critically examined in connection with the foundations of quantum field theory. The conflict between the quantum mechanical Hilbert space structure, the locality property and the gauge invariance encoded in the Gauss' law is discussed in connection with the various quantization choices for gauge fieldsComment: 33 pages, Invited talk al the Conference "Present Problems of Theoretical Physics", Vietri April 11-16 (2003

The Gribov horizon and spontaneous BRST symmetry breaking

An equivalent formulation of the Gribov-Zwanziger theory accounting for the gauge fixing ambiguity in the Landau gauge is presented. The resulting action is constrained by a Slavnov-Taylor identity stemming from a nilpotent exact BRST invariance which is spontaneously broken due to the presence of the Gribov horizon. This spontaneous symmetry breaking can be described in a purely algebraic way through the introduction of a pair of auxiliary fields which give rise to a set of linearly broken Ward identities. The Goldstone sector turns out to be decoupled. The underlying exact nilpotent BRST invariance allows to employ BRST cohomology tools within the Gribov horizon to identify renormalizable extensions of gauge invariant operators. Using a simple toy model and appropriate Dirac bracket quantization, we discuss the time-evolution invariance of the operator cohomology. We further comment on the unitarity issue in a confining theory, and stress that BRST cohomology alone is not sufficient to ensure unitarity, a fact, although well known, frequently ignored.Comment: 13 pages. v2: corrected typ