Evaluating Feynman integrals. (Q2569881): Difference between revisions

The methods of analytically evaluating Feynman integrals (i.e. integrals over loop momenta, not path integrals) are described in detail. The book is a first attempt to systematically expose variety of methods developed during fifty years, starting from the early days of perturbative quantum field theory. Attention of the author is concentrated on those methods that have been used in the past few years in the most sophisticated calculations. Only analytical methods of evaluation of Feynman integrals are presented in full detail while numerical methods are only briefly described. Some methods are characterized as semi-analytical, for example, the method based on asymptotic expansions of Feynman integrals in momenta and masses which was described in detail in the previous book of the author [\textit{V. A. Smirnov}, Applied Asymptotic Expansions in Momenta and Masses, Springer Tracts in Modern Physics. 177. Berlin: Springer (2002; Zbl 1025.81002)]. The book under review can be considered as Volume 1 with respect to the previous book which might be termed Volume 2. After Introduction and the chapter introducing basic definitions and tools, the following methods of evaluating Feynman integrals are given: alpha and Feynman parameters; Mellin-Barnes (MB) representation; integration by parts and reduction to some irreducible integrals called master integrals; evaluation by differential equations. Tables of useful integrals, some special functions, and MB integrals are given in Appendices as well as ways for analysis of convergence of integrals and a brief review of the methods not considered in the book in detail. Although all necessary definitions are given in the book, it would be helpful for the reader to be familiar with the basics of perturbative quantum field theory, e.g. to have read first few chapters of the textbooks by Bogoliubov and Shirkov and/or Peskin and Schroeder. The book is based on the course of lectures given by the author in 2003-2004 at the Universities of Hamburg and Karlsruhe. It will be useful for students of last years, postgraduate students and theoretical physicists specializing in quantum field theory.