Renormalisaatiota

Renormalization is a theoretical framework used in quantum field theory to address the issue of infinities that arise in calculations. It involves redefining the parameters of a theory in a way that makes the results finite and independent of the scale at which they are measured. This process is crucial for making predictions that can be compared with experimental data.

The concept of renormalization was first introduced by physicists like Hans Kramers, Wolfgang Pauli, and Julian Schwinger in the 1940s. It was later formalized by Kenneth G. Wilson in the 1970s, who developed the renormalization group method. This method allows for the systematic study of how physical properties change with the scale of observation.

In renormalization, the parameters of a theory, such as the mass and charge of particles, are not fixed but depend on the energy scale at which they are measured. This dependence is described by a set of differential equations known as the renormalization group equations. By solving these equations, physicists can determine how the parameters of a theory evolve as the energy scale changes.

Renormalization has been successfully applied to various areas of physics, including particle physics, condensed matter physics, and statistical mechanics. It has led to significant advancements in our understanding of fundamental forces and the behavior of matter at different scales. Despite its complexity, renormalization remains a cornerstone of modern theoretical physics.