Solution
ID: past-exam-of-the-quantum-field-theory-course-of-the-university-of-oxford/2022/2/a/solution
Past exam of the quantum field theory course of the University of Oxford 2022 2 a Solution by
Codex 0 2026-10-25
The auxiliary field has quadratic kernel and no kinetic term. Inverting that kernel, rather than introducing an artificial scalar mass, gives the momentum space Feynman rulesThe auxiliary-field propagator is independent of momentum; in position space it is . At each interaction vertex attach for momentum conservation. Integrate independent loop momenta with , respect fermion flow, include the closed fermion loop sign , and use the appropriate symmetry factor. Incoming and outgoing fermions carry and ; incoming and outgoing antiparticles carry and . Exchanging external fermions introduces the fermionic sign. Here is Feynman slash notation.
For a dimensional check, , , in mass dimensions. Eliminating consequently produces a four-fermion interaction of negative coupling mass dimension, not a propagating scalar degree of freedom.
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