Perturbation theory of transformed quantum fields (Q2007197)

In the article, the author considers a quantum field theory of a scalar field and in particular global diffeomorphisms tangent to the identity of the field \(\phi(x)\). In other words, the field \(\phi(x)\) is replaced by new field \(\rho(x)\) \[ \phi(x) = \rho(x) + a_1 \rho^2(x) + a_2 \rho^3(x) + \dots \] The coefficients are independent of the space-time point \(x\), hence ``global diffeomorphism''. The term ``tangent to the identity'' means that \(a_0=1\). If one starts from a free theory for the field \(\phi(x)\), the theory written in the field \(\rho(x)\) will contain interaction vertices. However, tree amplitudes in the field \(\rho(x)\) will be polynomials in the kinematic variables, not rational functions. This is intuitively clear: Also in the formulation in terms of the field \(\rho(x)\) the theory remembers that it is a free theory, so there should be no internal propagators. This motivates the author to introduce the concept of a meta vertex: a symmetric sum of trees, which gives a polynomial in the kinematic variables. The author performs a systematic diagrammatic study of tree and loop amplitudes in a scalar quantum field theory under above mentioned diffeomorphisms. He starts with a free theory, followed by an interacting theory with a \(\phi^n\) interaction. For the latter theory he shows that one may choose a diffeomorphism which transforms the theory into a free theory at one fixed external offshell momentum. At the technical level the author assumes (as an axiom) that all tadpole integrals are vanishing. The author also extends his analysis towards higher derivatives theories and transformations, which involve derivatives. Although never mentioned, the paper is in particular interesting with respect to BCJ numerators [\textit{J. J. Bern} et al., ``New relations for Gauge-theory amplitudes'', Phys. Rev. D 78, No. 8, Article ID 085011, 19 p. (2008; \url{doi:10.1103/PhysRevD.78.085011})].