Title: Basis Light-front Quantization Approach to Quantum Field Theory

Speaker: Dr. Xingbo Zhao, Iowa State University

Time and place: 12:30-13:30, March 15 (Tuesday), 2013, Lecture Hall/INPAC

Abstract:

We introduce a nonperturbative, first principles approach for solving quantum field theory. Based on light-front Hamiltonian formalism, this method provides direct access to the wavefunction of bound states in a covariant framework. As an initial application we apply it to QED and specifically study the structure of electron. I will present the numerical results for the electron anomalous magnetic moment as well as various generalized parton distribution functions (GPDs) for an electron. As a method in real time, it can be straightforwardly extended to the time-dependent regime, which provides an ideal solution for time-evolution processes such as scattering, in particular, in the presence of strong background fields. As a first application we apply it to QED in a strong background laser field, and specifically study the process of nonlinear Compton scattering in which an electron is excited by the background and emits a photon. Finally, I will discuss options for future applications to non-perturbative time-dependent processes such as strong interaction hadronization processes.