In mathematics, a Green’s function is a type of function used to solve inhomogeneous differential equations subject to boundary conditions. The term is also used in physics, specifically in quantum field theory, electrodynamics and statistical field theory, to refer to various types of correlation functions, even those that do not fit the mathematical definition; for this sense, see Correlation function (quantum field theory) and Green’s function (many-body theory).
Green’s functions are named after the British mathematician George Green, who first developed the concept in the 1830s. In the modern study of linear partial differential equations, Green’s functions are largely studied from the point of view of fundamental solutions instead.
Definition and uses
Technically, a Green’s function,
, of a linear differential operator
acting on distributions over a subset of the Euclidean space
, at a point
, is any solution of
(1)
where
is the Dirac delta function.
This technique can be used to solve differential equations of the form
(2)
If the kernel of
is nontrivial, then the Green’s function is not unique. However, in practice, some combination of symmetry, boundary conditions and/or other externally imposed criteria will give a unique Green’s function. Also, Green’s functions in general are distributions, not necessarily proper functions.
Green’s functions are also a useful tool in condensed matter theory, where they allow the resolution of the diffusion equation, and in quantum mechanics, where the Green’s function of the Hamiltonian is a key concept, with important links to the concept of density of states. The Green’s functions used in those two domains are highly similar, due to the analogy in the mathematical structure of the diffusion equation and Schrödinger equation. As a side note, the Green’s function as used in Physics is usually defined with the opposite sign; that is,
. This definition does not significantly change any of the properties of the Green’s function.
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