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Correlation function (quantum field theory)
In quantum field theory, correlation functions generalize the concept of correlation functions in statistics. In the quantum mechanical context they are computed as the matrix element of a product of operators inserted between two vectors, usually the vacuum states.
Sometimes, the time-ordering operator T is included.
Depending on n (the number of inserted operators), the correlation functions are called one-point function (tadpole), two-point function, and so on. The correlation functions are often called simply correlators. Sometimes, the phrase Green's function is used not only for two-point functions, but for any correlators.
See also connected correlation function, one particle irreducible correlation function
01-28-2012 19:51:52
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The contents of this article is licensed from www.wikipedia.org under the GNU Free Documentation License. Click here to see the transparent copy and copyright details