Lehmann representation

A Lehmann representation inserts complete energy eigenstates into a correlation function, expressing its frequency dependence through transitions and operator matrix elements. For a Hermitian bosonic operator in a thermal retarded correlation function, the spectral weights contain $(p_n-p_m)|A_{nm}{|}^2$ at energy differences $E_m-E_n$.

Here $p_n=e^{-\beta E_n}/Z$. A Wightman correlation function instead has the appropriate single occupation weight rather than the same difference, and fermionic ordering changes the thermal combination. The chosen correlation function therefore matters. This representation connects spectral features to allowed transitions and provides the basis for analytic continuation between imaginary- and real-frequency functions. A transition continuum produces a continuous spectral contribution rather than only isolated poles.