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quantum field theory

quantum field theory

1 8.2
A branch of physics explaining how very small particles and fields interact
  • noun
  • /ˈkwɒntəm fiːld ˈθɪəri/
  • Specialized
translation icon : teoría cuántica de campos
  • The study of quantum field theory helps scientists explain how particles interact with electromagnetic fields.
  • mechanics and quantum field theory

So in some sense this lecture you will see how quantum field theory works.

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Examples

  • However, the physical interpretation in this case seems to be quite elusive because the entanglement entropy evaluated by the so-called "replica trick" for a generic quantum field theory is typically divergent.

    Academic text (2018)
  • The present situation is in part a consequence of the enormous success of quantum mechanics and quantum field theory and of the theoretical physics based on them since World War II.

    Academic text (1993)
  • So then you say, well, how, what would a kind of pilot wave version of quantum field theory look like?

  • So in some sense this lecture you will see how quantum field theory works.

  • This is the way quantum field theories are expressed.

  • Developments in quantum field theory and in the use of renormalization-group methods have given strong support to Anderson's views.

    Academic text (1993)
  • Hence, it is necessary to understand how to make the entanglement entropy finite in the quantum field theory framework.

    Academic text (2018)
  • To delve more deeply into the implicate order, Bohm developed a causal interpretation of quantum field theory.

    Academic text (1993)
  • By 1950, Schwinger recognized the need for a more systematic approach to quantum field theory relying upon a covariant quantum version of Hamilton's principle.

    Academic text (1995)
  • The huge success and stability of the theoretical descriptions given by quantum mechanics and quantum field theory imply that most scientists are no longer testing the foundational aspects of the domains in which they work.

    Academic text (1993)

Synonyms

field theory
vsquantum field theory
  • Specialized
3 8.3

An idea in physics that explains forces and particles as things spread through space and time, like gravity or electricity

focuses on quantum-level interactions using quantum mechanics rather than general physical distributions

Surface Forms

Morphology

quantum + field + theory

Each component contributes directly to the overall meaning: 'quantum' (discrete/quantised) modifies 'field' (a physical region), and 'theory' signals an explanatory framework, so the phrase literally denotes a scientific theory about quantum fields. Although it names a technical discipline, the composition is regular and cross-linguistically transparent, so a B1 learner who knows the three words can infer the general meaning.

Etymology

Quantum field theory comes from picturing an invisible field that fills space (like light or electricity everywhere) and quantum meaning very small, separate pieces. Scientists found particles behave like little ripples or 'bits' of these fields, so the name means a 'theory' that explains particles and fields together.