Skip to main content
Log in

On the connection between quantum fields and von Neumann algebras of local operators

  • Published:
Communications in Mathematical Physics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The relationship between a standard local quantum field and a net of local von Neumann algebras is discussed. Two natural possibilities for such an association are identified, and conditions for these to obtain are found. It is shown that the local net can naturally be so chosen that it satisfies the Special Condition of Duality. The notion of an intrinsically local field operator is introduced, and it is shown that such an operator defines a local net with which the field is locally associated. A regularity condition on the field is formulated, and it is shown that if this condition holds, then there exists a unique local net with which the field is locally associated if and only if the field algebra contains at least one intrinsically local operator. Conditions under which a field and other fields in its Borchers class are associated with the same local net are found, in terms of the regularity condition mentioned.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Araki, H.: On the algebra of all local observables. Prog. Theor. Phys.32, 844–854 (1964)

    Google Scholar 

  2. Bisognano, J.J., Wichmann, E.H.: On the duality condition for a Hermitian scalar field. J. Math. Phys.16, 985–1007 (1975)

    Google Scholar 

  3. Bisognano, J.J., Wichmann, E.H.: On the duality condition for quantum fields. J. Math. Phys.17, 303–321 (1976)

    Google Scholar 

  4. Borchers, H.J.: Über die Mannigfaltigkeit der interpolierenden Felder zu einer kausalenS-Matrix. Il Nuovo Cimento15, 784–794 (1960)

    Google Scholar 

  5. Borchers, H.J., Zimmermann, W.: On the self-adjointness of field operators. Il Nuovo Cimento31, 1047–1059 (1963)

    Google Scholar 

  6. Borchers, H.J.: A remark on a theorem of B. Misra. Commun. Math. Phys.4, 315–323 (1967)

    Google Scholar 

  7. Doplicher, S., Haag, R., Roberts, J.E.: Fields, observables, and gauge transformations. I. Commun. Math. Phys.13, 1–23 (1969); II. Commun. Math. Phys.15, 173–200 (1969)

    Google Scholar 

  8. Driessler, W.: Comments on lightlike translations and applications in relativistic quantum field theory. Commun. Math. Phys.44, 133–141 (1975)

    Google Scholar 

  9. Driessler, W., Fröhlich, J.: The reconstruction of local observable algebras from the Euclidean Green's functions of relativistic quantum field theory. Ann. Inst. Henri Poincaré27, 221–236 (1977)

    Google Scholar 

  10. Driessler, W., Summers, S.J.: On the decomposition of relativistic quantum field theories into pure phases (to appear in Helv. Phys. Acta)

  11. Driessler, W., Summers, S.J.: Central decomposition of Poincaré-invariant nets of local field algebras and absence of spontaneous breaking of the Lorentz group. Ann. Inst. Henri Poincaré43 A, 147–166 (1985)

    Google Scholar 

  12. Epstein, H.: On the Borchers class of a free field. Il Nuovo Cimento27, 886–893 (1963)

    Google Scholar 

  13. Fredenhagen, K., Hertel, J.: Local algebras of observables and pointlike localized fields. Commun. Math. Phys.80, 555–561 (1981)

    Google Scholar 

  14. Fredenhagen, K.: On the modular structure of local algebras of observables. Commun. Math. Phys.97, 79–89 (1985)

    Google Scholar 

  15. Glimm, J., Jaffe, A.: Quantum physics. Berlin, Heidelberg, New York: Springer 1981

    Google Scholar 

  16. Haag, R.: In: Colloque international sur les problèmes mathématiques sur la théorie quantique des champs, Lille, 1957. Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Paris, 1959

  17. Haag, R., Kastler, D.: An algebraic approach to quantum field theory. J. Math. Phys.5, 848–861 (1964)

    Google Scholar 

  18. Hertel, J.: Lokale Quantentheorie und Felder am Punkt, DESY T-81/01, 1981 (preprint)

  19. Jaffe, A.M.: High-energy behavior in quantum field theory. I. Strictly localizable fields. Phys. Rev.158, 1454–1461 (1967)

    Google Scholar 

  20. Jørgensen, P.E.T.: Selfadjoint extension operators commuting with an algebra. Math. Z.169, 41–62 (1979)

    Google Scholar 

  21. Jost, R.: The general theory of quantized fields. Providence, R.I.: Am. Math. Soc. 1965

    Google Scholar 

  22. Landau, L.J.: On local functions of fields. Commun. Math. Phys.39, 49–62 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  23. Langerholc, J., Schroer, B.: On the structure of the von Neumann algebras generated by local functions of the free Bose fields. Commun. Math. Phys.1, 215–239 (1965)

    Google Scholar 

  24. Longo, R.: Notes on algebraic invariants for non-commutative dynamical systems. Commun. Math. Phys.69, 195–207 (1979)

    Google Scholar 

  25. Murray, F.J., von Neumann, J.: On rings of operators. Ann. Math.37, 116–229 (1936)

    Google Scholar 

  26. Powers, R.T.: Self-adjoint algebras of unbounded operators. I. Commun. Math. Phys.21, 85–124 (1971); II. Trans. Am. Math. Soc.187, 261–293 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  27. Rehberg, J., Wollenberg, M.: Quantum fields as pointlike localized objects (to appear in Math. Nachr.)

  28. Streater, R.F., Wightman, A.S.:PCT, spin and statistics, and all that. New York: Benjamin 1964

    Google Scholar 

  29. Summers, S.J.: From algebras of local observables to quantum fields: generalizedH-bounds (preprint, 1986)

  30. Wichmann, E.H.: On systems of local operators and the duality condition. J. Math. Phys.24, 1633–1644 (1983)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Additional information

Communicated by K. Osterwalder

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Driessler, W., Summers, S.J. & Wichmann, E.H. On the connection between quantum fields and von Neumann algebras of local operators. Commun.Math. Phys. 105, 49–84 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01212341

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01212341

Keywords

Navigation