Inverse temperature (source code)

= Inverse temperature
{title2=$\beta=1/(k_BT)$}

<Inverse temperature> is $\beta=1/(k_BT)$, where $k_B$ is the <Boltzmann constant> and $T$ is the absolute <temperature>. A <canonical ensemble> weights an energy $E$ by its <Boltzmann factor> $e^{-\beta E}$. Calling couplings dimensionless means absorbing this factor $\beta$ into their energy coefficients. The alternative convention $k_B=1$ makes <inverse temperature> $1/T$; physical and dimensionless couplings must not be mixed.

In a thermal <Euclidean worldline path integral> with $\hbar=1$, $\beta$ is also the circumference of the imaginary-time circle.