On a New Method for Computing Trace Anomalies

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel approach for calculating trace anomalies in quantum field theories using path-integrals in curved spaces, linking it to first quantized methods and heat kernel techniques.

Contribution

The paper presents a new method for computing trace anomalies that integrates path-integral techniques with first quantized and heat kernel approaches.

Findings

Provides a new computational framework for trace anomalies

Connects path-integral methods with heat kernel techniques

Enhances understanding of quantum field theory anomalies

Abstract

I describe a new method for computing trace anomalies in quantum field theories which makes use of path-integrals for particles moving in curved spaces. After presenting the main ideas of the method, I discuss how it is connected to the first quantized approach of particle theory and to heat kernel techniques. (Talk given at Journees Relativistes '93).