Talk:S-matrix

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[edit] 'Classical' S-Matrix

It would be very helpful if there was a discussion of scattering parameters from the point of view of a microwave or RF engineer. I would be willing to provide such an explanation if others think it would be useful. Mradway 21:17, 25 Mar 2005 (UTC)

I would be interested in hearing what you have to say about the relation between classical field theory scattering operators and the quantum field theory version. Bas Michielsen

I think the point of view of a microwave/RF engineer would be very useful, and I encourage Mradway to provide this explanation. 05:48, 16 June 2006 130.188.8.11

Wow, my comment is essentially already here: We need a discussion of the scattering matrix formalism; there's really no particular need to have this topic described in a manner narrowly centered on quantum mechanics (and even more narrowly, particle physics). I understand it's even used in quite "classical" electrical transmission lines, and reading Siegman's book "Lasers", I realize that this earlier usage must be resp. have been widespread enough for him to omit the discussion e.g. of concatenation or free space evolution of radiation. So please go ahead, Mradway, your contribution is exactly what I came looking for! -- anonymous, July 10th 2007

[edit] Wick's Theorem

Would it be useful to move the stuff about Wick's theorem to another page? --HappyCamper 16:05, 4 September 2006 (UTC)

I agree with this. Wick's theorem is far more general than something that is used to evaluate S-matrix elements. PhysicsBob 09:19, 26 July 2007 (UTC)

I copied the section there (it was a redirect here) as a start on that article. Now it alos needs some work and this section can be trimmed. RJFJR 13:48, 2 November 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Reorganization of Article

The article at present seems to read like a page of mathematics rather than an encyclopedia entry. The LSZ reduction section especially reads like a mathematical proof. Perhaps someone who is competent in these matters could insert more explanation about the underlying ideas and applications of the S-matrix. Unfortunately, I don't know much about this kind of thing. PhysicsBob 16:19, 26 July 2007 (UTC)

The LSZ reduction formula has its own article; is there any reason why it needs a separate section here? --Starwed 19:25, 29 October 2007 (UTC)

I feel there is no reason why the section on the LSZ reduction and Wick's theorem should remain in the main article, since they are techniques used to evaluate S-matrix elements, rather than being part of the defintion of the S-matrix. Perhaps a 'see also' section would be more appropriate? PhysicsBob (talk) 06:45, 11 June 2008 (UTC)