Tomonaga–Schwinger equation

E71910

The Tomonaga–Schwinger equation is a relativistic generalization of the Schrödinger equation that formulates quantum field evolution on arbitrary spacelike hypersurfaces, forming a key part of covariant quantum field theory.


Statements (45)
Predicate Object
instanceOf covariant generalization of the Schrödinger equation
equation in quantum field theory
relativistic wave equation
appliesTo interacting quantum field theories
relativistic quantum fields
assumes locality of interactions
microcausality of field operators
basedOn covariance under Lorentz transformations
principle of relativity
category relativistic quantum field equations
clarifies role of time in relativistic quantum theory
closelyRelatedTo Schrödinger functional equation in field theory
describes time evolution of quantum fields
unitary evolution between spacelike hypersurfaces
developedBy Julian Schwinger
Sin-Itiro Tomonaga
domain Minkowski spacetime
ensures Lorentz-covariant description of quantum evolution
path-independence of evolution between hypersurfaces under suitable conditions
expressedAs functional differential equation
field quantum field theory
relativistic quantum mechanics
theoretical physics
formulation covariant canonical formalism
generalizationOf time-dependent Schrödinger equation
historicalPeriod mid-20th century
influenced modern covariant formulations of quantum field theory
involves Hamiltonian density integrated over hypersurfaces
foliation of spacetime into spacelike hypersurfaces
motivation to reconcile quantum dynamics with special relativity
namedAfter Julian Schwinger
Sin-Itiro Tomonaga
relatedTo Dyson series
S-matrix
canonical quantization
covariant perturbation theory
interaction picture
path integral formulation of quantum field theory
usedFor deriving covariant perturbation expansions
formulating interaction dynamics on arbitrary foliations of spacetime
usesConcept Hamiltonian density
Heisenberg picture
functional derivative
spacelike hypersurface
state functional


Please wait…