Operator Product Expansion - General

General

In quantum field theory, the operator product expansion (OPE) is a convergent expansion of the product of two fields at different points as a sum (possibly infinite) of local fields.

More precisely, if x and y are two different points, and A and B are operator-valued fields, then there is an open neighborhood of y, O such that for all x in O/{y}

where the sum is over finitely or countably many terms, Ci are operator-valued fields, ci are analytic functions over O/{y} and the sum is convergent in the operator topology within O/{y}.

OPEs are most often used in conformal field theory.

The notation is often used to denote that the difference G(x,y)-F(x,y) remains analytic at the points x=y. This is an equivalence relation.

Read more about this topic:  Operator Product Expansion

Famous quotes containing the word general:

    Of what use, however, is a general certainty that an insect will not walk with his head hindmost, when what you need to know is the play of inward stimulus that sends him hither and thither in a network of possible paths?
    George Eliot [Mary Ann (or Marian)

    A constitutional statesman is in general a man of common opinions and uncommon abilities.
    Walter Bagehot (1826–1877)

    There is in general good reason to suppose that in several respects the gods could all benefit from instruction by us human beings. We humans are—more humane.
    Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900)