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6 - Quantization of the Free Electromagnetic Field

from Part I - Quantum Field Theory

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 February 2025

Wolfgang Bietenholz  and
Uwe-Jens Wiese
Wolfgang Bietenholz
Affiliation:
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Uwe-Jens Wiese
Affiliation:
Universität Bern, Switzerland
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Summary

The free electromagnetic field is quantized canonically and with the functional integral. We emphasize the roles of the Gauss law, helicity, and gauge fixing in the continuum. We also derive Planck’s formula for black-body radiation and apply it to the cosmic microwave background.

Keywords

Gauge SymmetryPhotonsGauss LawHelicityCosmic Background RadiationGauge Fixing
Type
Chapter
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Uncovering Quantum Field Theory and the Standard Model , pp. 107 - 123
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2025

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