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:
“The conclusion suggested by these arguments might be called the paradox of theorizing. It asserts that if the terms and the general principles of a scientific theory serve their purpose, i. e., if they establish the definite connections among observable phenomena, then they can be dispensed with since any chain of laws and interpretive statements establishing such a connection should then be replaceable by a law which directly links observational antecedents to observational consequents.”
—C.G. (Carl Gustav)
“The general Mistake among us in the Educating of our Children, is, That in our Daughters we take Care of their Persons and neglect their Minds; in our Sons, we are so intent upon adorning their Minds, that we wholly neglect their Bodies.”
—Richard Steele (16721729)
“The first general store opened on the Cold Saturday of the winter of 1833 ... Mrs. Mary Miller, daughter of the stores promoter, recorded in a letter: Chickens and birds fell dead from their roosts, cows ran bellowing through the streets; but she failed to state what effect the freeze had on the gala occasion of the store opening.”
—Administration in the State of Sout, U.S. public relief program (1935-1943)