On Quantum Field Theories in Operator and Functional Integral Formalisms

Abstract

Relations and isomorphisms between quantum field theories in operator and functional integral formalisms are analyzed from the viewpoint of inequivalent representations of commutator or anticommutator rings of field operators. A functional integral in quantum field theory cannot be regarded as a Newton-Lebesgue integral but rather as a formal object to which one associates distinct numerical values for different processes of its integration. By choosing an appropriate method for the integration of a given functional integral, one can select a single representation out of infinitely many inequivalent representations for an operator whose trace is expressed by the corresponding functional integral. These properties are demonstrated with two exactly solvable examples.