Quantum field theory at finite temperature: Renormalization and radiative corrections

We discuss radiative corrections and the renormalization prescription in finite-temperature quantum electrodynamics at the one-loop level. As an example we consider the Coulomb scattering of an electron on a heavy nucleus immersed in a heat bath of thermal photons. Temperature-dependent infrared div...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Nuclear physics. B 1986-12, Vol.278 (2), p.324-342
Main Authors: Johansson, A.E.I., Peressutti, G., Skagerstam, B.-S.
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:We discuss radiative corrections and the renormalization prescription in finite-temperature quantum electrodynamics at the one-loop level. As an example we consider the Coulomb scattering of an electron on a heavy nucleus immersed in a heat bath of thermal photons. Temperature-dependent infrared divergences are shown to cancel in the corresponding cross section when allowing for soft, thermal bremsstrahlung as well as soft, thermal absorption processes. In the case of extreme-relativistic electrons, temperature-dependent mass singularities appear in the infrared-finite cross section. These singularities are shown to be cancelled by similar divergences in thermal emission and absorption processes.
ISSN:0550-3213
1873-1562
DOI:10.1016/0550-3213(86)90216-6