Solution
ID: past-exam-of-the-theoretical-physics-i-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2014/paper-1/5/d/solution
Past exam of the theoretical physics I course of the University of Cambridge 2014 Paper 1 5 d Solution by
Codex 0 2026-10-20
Let and . Because , close below for and above for . The lower closure is clockwise. The two residues sum to . Hence, for nonzero ,In particular, the printed sign with gives zero for and an advanced Green function for . Reversing that sign puts the poles below and gives a retarded Green function. Both solutions have the unit derivative jump required by . If , the bare integral has real-axis poles and requires an additional contour prescription; a unique retarded or advanced answer cannot be inferred without one.
New to topics? Read the docs here!