Complex classical fields: a framework for reflection positivity

Abstract: We explore a framework for complex classical fields, appropriate for describing quantum field theories. Our fields are linear transformations on a Hilbert space, so they are more general than random variables for a probability measure. Our method generalizes Osterwalder and Schrader's construction of Euclidean fields. We allow complex-valued classical fields in the case of quantum field theories that describe neutral particles. From an analytic point-of-view, the key to using our method is reflection positivity. We investigate conditions on the Fourier representation of the fields to ensure that reflection positivity holds. We also show how reflection positivity is preserved by various space-time compactifications of Euclidean space.

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Constructing a rigorous mathematical foundation for quantum filed theory is a subtle question. The idea studied in this paper is a generalization of the Euclidean fields constructed by \textit{K. Osterwalder} and \textit{R. Schrader} [Commun. Math. Phys. 31, No. 2, 83--112 (1973; Zbl 0274.46047)]. In this model fields are linear transformations on a Hilbert space, and the fields are complex valued. The motivation for this model is given by Hamiltonians with complex-valued heat kernels, that arise, for example, in special relativity. One of the modifications that shows up is that charge conjugation is no longer just complex conjugation. The paper gives a careful analysis of a property called reflection positivity including a number of equivalent conditions together with related positivity conditions coming from spacial symmetry.

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