Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

arXiv:1711.07536

Temperature-reflection I: field theory, ensembles, and interactions

David A. McGady

Published Nov 20, 2017• 5 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

In this paper, we revisit the claim that many partition functions are invariant under reflecting temperatures to negative values (T-reflection). The goal of this paper is to demarcate which partition functions should be invariant under T-reflection, and why. Our main claim is that finite-temperature path integrals for quantum field theories (QFTs) should be T-reflection invariant. Because multi-particle partition functions are equal to Euclidean path integrals for QFTs, we expect them to be T-reflection invariant. Single-particle partition functions though are often not invariant under T-reflection. Several exactly solvable systems are non-invariant under naive T-reflection, but are likely invariant under an extended T-reflection. We give example systems that are T-reflection invariant but are (1) non-unitary, (2) chiral, (3) interacting, (4) non-supersymmetric, or (5) non-conformal, and (6) argue that T-reflection is unrelated to time-reversal. Finally, we study the interplay between T-reflection and perturbation theory in the anharmonic harmonic oscillator in quantum mechanics and in Yang-Mills in four-dimensions. This is the first in a series of papers on temperature-reflections.

DOI
10.48550/arxiv.1711.07536

Related papers

Temperature-reflection II: Modular Invariance and T-reflection

David A. McGady

In this paper, we present robust evidence that general finite temperature quantum field theory (QFT) path integrals are invariant under reflecting temperatures to negative values (T-reflection), up to a possible anomaly phase. Our main focus is on two-dimensional conformal field theories (2d CFTs) on the two-torus. Modular invariance for 2d CFT path integrals follows from demanding invariance under redundant encodings of the two-torus shape in the path integral. We emphasize that identical logic implies 2d CFTs are invariant under T-reflection, up to phases. We compute T-reflection anomaly phases for certain 2d CFT path integrals via a continuation, and via an extension of modular forms from the upper half-plane to the double half-plane. Crucially, they perfectly agree. Requiring QFT path integrals to be invariant under redundant encodings of the spacetime geometry implies (i) that 2d CFTs are both modular and T-reflection invariant and (ii) that general QFT path integrals are invariant under T-reflection. This quite board argument suggests T-reflection phases may indicate previously unnoticed anomalies and consistency conditions for general QFT.

arXiv:1806.09873•Jun 26, 2018•4 citations

FINITE TEMPERATURE CORRELATION FUNCTIONS AND MODULAR FORMS IN A GLOBALLY CONFORMAL INVARIANT QFT

Nikolay M. Nikolov, Ivan T. Todorov

Abstract Global conformal invariance (GCI) of quantum field theory (QFT) in two and higher space–time dimensions implies the Huygens’ principle, and hence, rationality of correlation functions of observable fields [16]. The conformal hamiltonian H ( has discrete spectrum and we assume that the partition function tr D qH) , q = e2πi τ, Im τ> 0 (|q | < 1) as well as the finite temperature expectation values of the field products are well defined in the finite energy space D (an assumption that is verified for free fields). We then demonstrate that the finite temperature expectation values are expressed by (doubly periodic) elliptic functions in appropriate coordinates. We compute examples of 2-point functions of free fields and study the modular transformation properties of the mean value of the energy in an equilibrium state with respect to

arXiv:hep-th/0403191•Jan 1, 2003•2 citations

Many-Body Topological Invariants for Fermionic Symmetry-Protected Topological Phases

Hassan Shapourian, Ken Shiozaki, Shinsei Ryu

We define and compute many-body topological invariants of interacting fermionic symmetry-protected topological phases, protected by an orientation-reversing symmetry, such as time-reversal or reflection symmetry. The topological invariants are given by partition functions obtained by a path integral on unoriented spacetime which, as we show, can be computed for a given ground state wave function by considering a nonlocal operation, "partial" reflection or transpose. As an application of our scheme, we study the Z_{8} and Z_{16} classification of topological superconductors in one and three dimensions.

arXiv:1607.03896•Physical Review Letters•May 25, 2017•99 citations

Statistical mechanics of a (1 + 1)-dimensional quantum field theory at finite density and temperature

H. B. Thacker

The quantum field theory in one space + one time dimension described by the Lagrangian $\mathfrak{L} = (\frac{i}{2}){\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{*}{\stackrel{}{\ensuremath{\partial}}}_{0}\ensuremath{\varphi}\ensuremath{-}({\ensuremath{\partial}}_{1}{\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{*})({\ensuremath{\partial}}_{1}\ensuremath{\varphi})\ensuremath{-}c{|\ensuremath{\varphi}|}^{4}$ is studied for systems with finite temperature and particle density. Using momentum-space techniques previously developed, a graphical procedure is obtained for calculating inner products of many-particle scattering state wave functions. The unitarity of the wave operator $U(0,\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\infty})$ is demonstrated as a pattern of graphical cancellations. An operator formulation of statistical mechanics is derived in which partition functions are given in terms of matrix elements having the form of diagonal (forward) inner products. The importance of noncommutativity of the forward limit and the $i\ensuremath{\epsilon}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0$ limit is noted and traced to the presence of forward singular graphs in the inner product. Combining this observation with wave-operator unitarity, we obtain a graphical recipe for calculating $N$-body partition functions. The thermodynamics first described by Yang and Yang is obtained by summation of the fugacity series for the grand partition function.

Physical review. D. Particles, fields, gravitation, and cosmology/Physical review. D. Particles and fields•Oct 15, 1977•26 citations

Quantum Statistical Mechanics Functional Integral Approach

Lukong Cornelius Fai

We establish a rather deep relation between statistical mechanics and quantum mechanics at an imaginary time. For the quantum field theory, this implies a relation between finite temperature quantum field theory in Minkowski space and quantum field theory in Euclidean space with one compact Euclidean time direction. The quantum mechanical language being a proper formulation of statistical physics as a molecular theory is basically the study of quantum equilibrium as well as non-equilibrium systems. A quantum system found in a thermodynamic equilibrium state with an external classical system (thermostat or thermal reservoir) may be characterized by fixed values of thermodynamic parameters of the system, say, for example, temperature T , volume V and number of particles N . In this way the total energy of the thermostat is assumed to be much greater than the energy of the system. The behavior of the quantum system may be assumed to be independent of the nature of the thermostat. The most convenient object of the quantum theory to describe such non-isolated systems is the density matrix since the partition function does not determine any local thermodynamic quantities. It is for this reason that we introduced quantum mechanical and quantum statistical density matrices which are necessary to do the investigation via path integration. This enables us to make a transition to the quasi-classical approximation of quantum statistical mechanics, which, in turn, enables us to evaluate the first quantum correction to the classical Boltzmann distribution function.

CRC Press eBooks•Feb 19, 2021•0 citations

Euclidean Path Integrals In Quantum Mechanics

Jean Zinn‐Justin

This chapter focuses on Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Field Theory in a euclidean formulation. This means that, in general, it discusses the matrix elements of the quantum statistical operator eβH (the density matrix at thermal equilibrium), where H is the hamiltonian and β is the inverse temperature. The chapter begins by first deriving the path integral representation of matrix elements of the quantum statistical operator for hamiltonians of the simple form p 2/2m + V (q). Comparing classical statistical physics in one space dimension and quantum statistical physics of the particle, it introduces statistical correlation functions and discusses their quantum interpretation. It then explicitly calculates the path integral corresponding to a harmonic oscillator in a time-dependent external force. This result can be used to reduce the evaluation of path integrals in the case of analytic potentials to perturbation theory. The chapter shows on a first example that path integrals are especially well suited to the study of the classical limit, by relating a quantum and classical partition function. The appendix explains some general properties of the two-point function, and use the semi-classical approximation of the partition function to derive Bohr–Sommerfeld's quantization condition.

Oxford University Press eBooks•Jun 6, 2002•2 citations
In this paper, we revisit the claim that many partition functions are invariant under reflecting temperatures to negative values (T-reflection). The goal of this paper is to demarcate which partition functions should be invariant under T-reflection, and why. Our main claim is that finite-temperature path integrals for quantum field theories (QFTs) should be T-reflection invariant. Because multi-particle partition functions are equal to Euclidean path integrals for QFTs, we expect them to be T-reflection invariant. Single-particle partition functions though are often not invariant under T-reflection. Several exactly solvable systems are non-invariant under naive T-reflection, but are likely invariant under an extended T-reflection. We give example systems that are T-reflection invariant but are (1) non-unitary, (2) chiral, (3) interacting, (4) non-supersymmetric, or (5) non-conformal, and (6) argue that T-reflection is unrelated to time-reversal. Finally, we study the interplay between T-reflection and perturbation theory in the anharmonic harmonic oscillator in quantum mechanics and in Yang-Mills in four-dimensions. This is the first in a series of papers on temperature-reflections.
In this paper, we present robust evidence that general finite temperature quantum field theory (QFT) path integrals are invariant under reflecting temperatures to negative values (T-reflection), up to a possible anomaly phase. Our main focus is on two-dimensional conformal field theories (2d CFTs) on the two-torus. Modular invariance for 2d CFT path integrals follows from demanding invariance under redundant encodings of the two-torus shape in the path integral. We emphasize that identical logic implies 2d CFTs are invariant under T-reflection, up to phases. We compute T-reflection anomaly phases for certain 2d CFT path integrals via a continuation, and via an extension of modular forms from the upper half-plane to the double half-plane. Crucially, they perfectly agree. Requiring QFT path integrals to be invariant under redundant encodings of the spacetime geometry implies (i) that 2d CFTs are both modular and T-reflection invariant and (ii) that general QFT path integrals are invariant under T-reflection. This quite board argument suggests T-reflection phases may indicate previously unnoticed anomalies and consistency conditions for general QFT.
Abstract Global conformal invariance (GCI) of quantum field theory (QFT) in two and higher space–time dimensions implies the Huygens’ principle, and hence, rationality of correlation functions of observable fields [16]. The conformal hamiltonian H ( has discrete spectrum and we assume that the partition function tr D qH) , q = e2πi τ, Im τ> 0 (|q | < 1) as well as the finite temperature expectation values of the field products are well defined in the finite energy space D (an assumption that is verified for free fields). We then demonstrate that the finite temperature expectation values are expressed by (doubly periodic) elliptic functions in appropriate coordinates. We compute examples of 2-point functions of free fields and study the modular transformation properties of the mean value of the energy in an equilibrium state with respect to
We define and compute many-body topological invariants of interacting fermionic symmetry-protected topological phases, protected by an orientation-reversing symmetry, such as time-reversal or reflection symmetry. The topological invariants are given by partition functions obtained by a path integral on unoriented spacetime which, as we show, can be computed for a given ground state wave function by considering a nonlocal operation, "partial" reflection or transpose. As an application of our scheme, we study the Z_{8} and Z_{16} classification of topological superconductors in one and three dimensions.
The quantum field theory in one space + one time dimension described by the Lagrangian $\mathfrak{L} = (\frac{i}{2}){\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{*}{\stackrel{}{\ensuremath{\partial}}}_{0}\ensuremath{\varphi}\ensuremath{-}({\ensuremath{\partial}}_{1}{\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{*})({\ensuremath{\partial}}_{1}\ensuremath{\varphi})\ensuremath{-}c{|\ensuremath{\varphi}|}^{4}$ is studied for systems with finite temperature and particle density. Using momentum-space techniques previously developed, a graphical procedure is obtained for calculating inner products of many-particle scattering state wave functions. The unitarity of the wave operator $U(0,\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\infty})$ is demonstrated as a pattern of graphical cancellations. An operator formulation of statistical mechanics is derived in which partition functions are given in terms of matrix elements having the form of diagonal (forward) inner products. The importance of noncommutativity of the forward limit and the $i\ensuremath{\epsilon}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0$ limit is noted and traced to the presence of forward singular graphs in the inner product. Combining this observation with wave-operator unitarity, we obtain a graphical recipe for calculating NNN-body partition functions. The thermodynamics first described by Yang and Yang is obtained by summation of the fugacity series for the grand partition function.
We establish a rather deep relation between statistical mechanics and quantum mechanics at an imaginary time. For the quantum field theory, this implies a relation between finite temperature quantum field theory in Minkowski space and quantum field theory in Euclidean space with one compact Euclidean time direction. The quantum mechanical language being a proper formulation of statistical physics as a molecular theory is basically the study of quantum equilibrium as well as non-equilibrium systems. A quantum system found in a thermodynamic equilibrium state with an external classical system (thermostat or thermal reservoir) may be characterized by fixed values of thermodynamic parameters of the system, say, for example, temperature T , volume V and number of particles N . In this way the total energy of the thermostat is assumed to be much greater than the energy of the system. The behavior of the quantum system may be assumed to be independent of the nature of the thermostat. The most convenient object of the quantum theory to describe such non-isolated systems is the density matrix since the partition function does not determine any local thermodynamic quantities. It is for this reason that we introduced quantum mechanical and quantum statistical density matrices which are necessary to do the investigation via path integration. This enables us to make a transition to the quasi-classical approximation of quantum statistical mechanics, which, in turn, enables us to evaluate the first quantum correction to the classical Boltzmann distribution function.
This chapter focuses on Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Field Theory in a euclidean formulation. This means that, in general, it discusses the matrix elements of the quantum statistical operator eβH (the density matrix at thermal equilibrium), where H is the hamiltonian and β is the inverse temperature. The chapter begins by first deriving the path integral representation of matrix elements of the quantum statistical operator for hamiltonians of the simple form p 2/2m + V (q). Comparing classical statistical physics in one space dimension and quantum statistical physics of the particle, it introduces statistical correlation functions and discusses their quantum interpretation. It then explicitly calculates the path integral corresponding to a harmonic oscillator in a time-dependent external force. This result can be used to reduce the evaluation of path integrals in the case of analytic potentials to perturbation theory. The chapter shows on a first example that path integrals are especially well suited to the study of the classical limit, by relating a quantum and classical partition function. The appendix explains some general properties of the two-point function, and use the semi-classical approximation of the partition function to derive Bohr–Sommerfeld's quantization condition.