Nonlinear Response from Transport Theory and Quantum Field Theory at Finite Temperature

Abstract

We study nonlinear response in weakly coupled hot $\phi^4$ theory. We obtain an expression for a quadratic shear viscous response coefficient using two different formalisms: transport theory and response theory. The transport theory calculation is carried out by assuming a local equilibrium form for the distribution function and expanding in the gradient of the local four dimensional velocity field. By doing a gradient expansion on the Boltzmann equation we obtain a hierarchy of equations for the coefficients of this expansion.To do the response theory calculation we use Zubrave's techniques in nonequilibrium statistical mechanics to derive a generalized Kubo formula. Using this formula allows us to obtain the quadratic shear viscous response from the three-point retarded green function of the viscous shear stress tensor. We use the closed time path formalism of real time finite temperature field theoryto show that this three-point function can be calculated using equilibrium quantum field theory by writing it as an integral equation involving a four-point vertex. This four-point vertex can in turn be obtained from an integral equation which represents the resummation of an infinite series of ladder and extended-ladder diagrams.The connection between transport theory and response theory is made when we show that the integral equation for this four-point vertex has exactly the same form as the equation obtained from the Boltzmann equation for the coefficient of the quadratic term of the gradient expansion of the distribution function.