The problem of gauge invariance and the functional Schroedinger approach

Abstract

Quantum field theory is assumed to be gauge invariant. However it is well known that when certain quantities, such as the vacuum current, are calculated the results are not gauge invariant. The non-gauge invariant terms have to be removed in order to obtain a physically correct result. It has been shown in Ref. [3] and [4] that this problem may be due to a mathematical inconsistency in the canonical formulation of QFT. In this article we will review this previous work and then examine an alternative formulation of QFT called the functional Schroedinger approach. It will be shown that this approach produces different results then the canonical formulation. In particular it will be shown that in the functional Schroedinger approach the vacuum current is gauge invariant.