In this paper, the authors consider a real scalar field theory in d-dimensional flat Minkowski space-time, with the action given by S=∫ddx[12(∂μϕ)2−U(ϕ)], where U(x) is a general self-interaction potential. Then, the authors proceed by saying that for the standard ϕ4 theory, the interaction potential can be written as U(ϕ)=18ϕ2(ϕ−2)2.
Why is this so? What is the significance of the cubic term present?
EDIT: Comparing with the scalar field theory the potential term involved with λ. What is the value we have inserted here?
Moreover I want to transform the potential to a new form U(ϕ)=18λ(ϕ2−v2)2. (I have got this from Mark Srednicki page no 576. )
Answer
Edit: Oh, I see that this is basically what twistor59 wrote in a comment.
Set ψ=ϕ−1. The Lagrangian written in terms of ψ is
S=∫|∇ψ|2+V(ψ)
where V(ψ)=U(ϕ)=U(ψ+1), expanding the reparametrization we have
V(ψ)=18(ψ+1)2(ψ−1)2=18(ψ4−2ψ2+1)
The constant 1 is not dynamical so the potential is equivalent to
˜V(ψ)=18(ψ4−2ψ2)
which is equivalent to the standard ψ4 potential without cubic term up to scaling constants.
That is to say: the ϕ3 term isn't really there: it can be gauged away.
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