Classical Real Time Correlation Functions And Quantum Corrections at Finite Temperature

TL;DR

This paper develops a semi-classical expansion method to compute quantum corrections to classical real-time correlation functions at finite temperature, focusing on scalar theories and potential applications to gauge theories.

Contribution

It introduces explicit formulas for quantum corrections up to order  in , including all orders in the coupling constant, for scalar theories at finite temperature.

Findings

Derived semi-classical expansion with explicit  order corrections.

Provides formulas including all orders in coupling constant.

Potential application to quantum corrections in gauge theories.

Abstract

We consider quantum corrections to classical real time correlation functions at finite temperature. We derive a semi-classical expansion in powers of $\hbar$ with coefficients including all orders in the coupling constant. We give explicit expressions up to order $\hbar^2$. We restrict ourselves to a scalar theory. This method, if extended to gauge theories, might be used to compute quantum corrections to the high temperature baryon number violation rate in the Standard Model.