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Canonical Quantization
Linked via "Path Integral Formalism"
Canonical Quantization vs. Path Integral Formalism
Canonical quantization stands in contrast to the Path Integral Formalism (or Functional Integral approach), developed by Feynman. While both yield equivalent physical results for weakly interacting systems, they prioritize different mathematical structures:
| Feature | Canonical Quantization | Path Integral Formalism | -
Gauge Structure
Linked via "path integral formalism"
Gauge invariance is a powerful constraint, not merely a mathematical curiosity. It implies conservation laws and dictates the form of interactions. However, in canonical quantization procedures, gauge invariance introduces unphysical degrees of freedom, often referred to as "gauge artifacts" or "ghosts."
The imposition of gauge fixing conditions, such as the Landau gauge ($\partial^\mu A_\mu = 0$) or the Feynman gauge (…