Randomness and Irreversibility in Quantum Field Theory

Abstract

Quantum fluctuations, through quantum corrections, have the potential to lead to irreversibility in quantum field theory. We consider the virtual ``charge" distribution generated by quantum corrections in the leading log, short range approximation, and adopt for it a statistical interpretation. This virtual charge density has fractal structure, and it is seen that, independently of whether the theory is or is not asymptotically free, it describes a system where the equilibrium state is at its classical limit ($\hbar \rightarrow 0$). We also present a simple analysis of how diffusion of the charge density proceeds as a function of the distance at which the system is probed.