Vacuum Polarization of Generalized Quantum Electrodynamics in the Heisenberg Picture

TL;DR

This paper explores the effects of higher-order derivatives in generalized quantum electrodynamics using the Heisenberg picture, analyzing vacuum polarization, induced currents, and charge renormalization.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of vacuum polarization and induced currents in Podolsky's generalized QED within the Heisenberg picture, including implications for charge renormalization.

Findings

Derived the structure of the polarization tensor and induced current.

Analyzed the physical implications of charge renormalization.

Discussed the stability and unitarity of Podolsky's theory.

Abstract

In this work, we consider the generalized quantum electrodynamics proposed by Podolsky in Heisenberg picture via Kallen methodology. We investigate the effects of higher-order derivatives to understand the qualitative and quantitative aspects of vacuum polarization. In addition, the most general structure of induced current and polarization tensor that emerge naturally by a perturbative scheme "a la" Kallen is also obtained. Afterward, we discuss the physical implication of charge renormalization in the perspective of unitary and stable Podolsky theory.