arXiv:0711.2544v1 [physics.

class-ph] 16 Nov 2007

Perturbation theory
Giovanni Gallavotti Dip. Fisica, Universit` di Roma and I.N.F.N., sezione Roma-1 a

Article Outline
1. Glossary 2. Denition 3. Introduction 4. Poincars theorem and quanta e 5. Mathematics and Physics. Renormalization 6. Need of convergence proofs 7. Multiscale analysis 8. A paradigmatic example of PT problem 9. Lindstedt series 10. Convergence. Scales. Multiscale analysis 11. Non convergent cases 12. Conclusion and Outlook 13. Bibliography

Denition of the subject and its importance

Perturbation Theory: Computation of a quantity depending on a parameter starting from the knowledge of is value for = 0 by deriving a power series expansion in , under the assumption of its existence, and if possible discussing the interpretation of the series. Perturbation theory is very often the only way to get a glimpse of the properties of systems whose equations cannot be explicitly solved in computable form. Its importance is witnessed by its applications in Astronomy, where it lead not only to the discovery of new planets (Neptune) but also to the disovery of Chaotic motions, with the completion of the Copernican revolution and the full understanding of the role of Aristotelian Physics 1