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schris38
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Propagator in Large Momentum Shell - Renormalization Group

I am reading P&S, specifically Chapter 12. I have trouble understanding why the propagator in momentum space (if the following is indeed the propagator in momentum space) in a $\phi^4$ theory in the Euclidean space of the path integral over the configuration of fields over a single momentum shell has the following form (eq. 12.8) $$\hat{\phi}(k)\hat{\phi}(k)=\frac{1}{k^2}(2\pi)^d\delta^{(d)}(k+p)\Theta(k)$$ where despite the fact that I can not denote it, a Wick contraction is implied between the two fields on the left hand side. I understand that the $\Theta$ function must be there because we are integrating over a single momentum shell $b\Lambda<|k|<\Lambda$ and hence its role is to ensure that the propagator vanishes for momentum values outside that shell. Moreover, I realise that the $\delta$ function is somehow related to the fact that the field takes only real values. Despite the fact that I realise (to a point) why these $\delta$ and $\Theta$ functions are for, I do not seem to comprehend how they appear in the propagator.

Any help will be appreciated.

P.S. The $\Theta$ function is vanishing besides the shell $b\Lambda<|k|<\Lambda$, where it is equal to one.

schris38
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