Divergence of perturbation theory in quantum electrodynamics
F.J. Dyson (Cornell U., LNS)

1952 - 2 pages

  • Phys.Rev. 85 (1952) 631-632
    Also in *Le Guillou, J.C. (ed.), Zinn-Justin, J. (ed.): Large-order behaviour of perturbation theory* 32-33
  • DOI: 10.1103/PhysRev.85.631

Abstract (APS)
An argument is presented which leads tentatively to the conclusion that all the power-series expansions currently in use in quantum electrodynamics are divergent after the renormalization of mass and charge. The divergence in no way restricts the accuracy of practical calculations that can be made with the theory, but raises important questions of principle concerning the nature of the physical concepts upon which the theory is built.


Keyword(s): INSPIRE: quantum electrodynamics | perturbation theory | renormalization | asymptotic expansion
 Record added 1991-05-11, last modified 2019-07-24