Multi-Hadron Observables from Lattice Quantum Chromodynamics

Abstract

Multi-Hadron Observables from Lattice Quantum Chromodynamics Maxwell T. HansenChair of the Supervisory Committee:Professor Stephen R. Sharpe Department of PhysicsWe describe formal work that relates the finite-volume spectrum in a quantum field theory to scattering and decay amplitudes. This is of particular relevance to numerical calculations performed using Lattice Quantum Chromodynamics (LQCD). Correlators calculated using LQCD can only be determined on the Euclidean time axis. For this reason the standard method of determining scattering amplitudes via the Lehmann-Symanzik-Zimmermann reduction formula cannot be employed. By contrast, the finite-volume spectrum is directly accessible in LQCD calculations. Formalism for relating the spectrum to physical scattering observables is thus highly desirable.In this thesis we develop tools for extracting physical information from LQCD for four types of observables. First we analyze systems with multiple, strongly-coupled two-scalar channels. Here we accommodate both identical and nonidentical scalars, and in the latter case allow for degenerate as well as nondegenerate particle masses. Using relativistic field theory, and summing to all orders in perturbation theory, we derive a result relating the finite-volume spectrum to the two-to-two scattering amplitudes of the coupled-channel theory. This generalizes the formalism of Martin Lüscher for the case of single-channel scattering. Second we consider the weak decay of a single particle into multiple, coupled two-scalar channels. We show how the finite-volume matrix element extracted in LQCD is related to matrix elements of asymptotic two-particle states, and thus to decay amplitudes. This generalizes work by Laurent Lellouch and Martin Lüscher. Third we extend the method for extracting matrix elements by considering currents which insert energy, momentum and angular momentum. This allows one to extract transition matrix elements and form factors from LQCD. Finally we look beyond two-particle systems to those with three-particles in asymptotic states. Working again to all orders in relativistic field theory, we derive a relation between the spectrum and an infinite-volume three-to-three scattering quantity. This final analysis is the most complicated of the four, because the all-orders summation is more difficult for this system, and also because a number of new technical issues arise in analyzing the contributing diagrams.