Dynamic coarse-graining approach to quantum field theory

TL;DR

This paper introduces a thermodynamic master equation framework for quantum field theory that naturally regularizes divergences through a friction mechanism, avoiding traditional renormalization procedures.

Contribution

It presents a novel thermodynamic approach to quantum fields that inherently regularizes divergences and recovers relativistic covariance without conventional renormalization.

Findings

Successfully calculated the phi^4 propagator and beta function.

Regularization is achieved via friction, eliminating divergent integrals.

Framework applicable to gauge theories with potential benefits.

Abstract

We build quantum field theory on the thermodynamic master equation for dissipative quantum systems. The vacuum is represented by a thermodynamic equilibrium state in the low-temperature limit. All regularization is consistently provided by a friction mechanism; with decreasing friction parameter, only degrees of freedom on shorter and shorter length scales are damped out of a quantum field theory. No divergent integrals need to be manipulated. Renormalization occurs as a tool to refine perturbation expansions, not to remove divergences. Relativistic covariance is recovered in the final results. We illustrate the proposed thermodynamic approach to quantum fields for the phi^4 theory by calculating the propagator and the beta function, and we offer some suggestions on its application to gauge theories.