Solution

ID: past-exam-of-the-quantum-condensed-matter-field-theory-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2014/paper-1/2/d/solution

Let , use time slices and . The exact normal-ordered coherent Gaussian has cyclic matrix , where shifts one slice. Its eigenvalues are and
Restoring the constant energy gives
consistent with the coordinate path integral. Alternatively, pairing positive and negative Matsubara frequencies symmetrically yields a determinant proportional to . This symmetric prescription already incorporates the zero-point convention and must not receive the vacuum factor twice. A naive unregulated frequency product can hide this difference.

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