The Classical Approximation for Real-Time Scalar Field Theory at Finite Temperature

Abstract

The use of classical thermal field to approximate real-time quantum thermal field theory is discussed. For a \lambda\phi^4 theory, it is shown that the classical Rayleigh-Jeans divergence can be canceled with the appropriate counterterms, and a comparison is made between the classical and quantum perturbative expansion. It is explained why Hard Thermal Loops prevent the same method to work for gauge theories.

Comments: 5 pages, 2 eps figures, talk presented at the 5th International Workshop on Thermal Field Theories and Their Applications, Regensburg, Germany, August 10-14, 1998