Functional Determinants in Higher Derivative Lagrangian Theories
arXiv:0907.4265 · doi:10.1063/1.3231788 10.1063/1.3427320
Abstract
Motivated by the considerable success of alternative theories of gravity, we consider the toy model of a higher derivative Lagrangian theory, namely the Pais-Uhlenbeck oscillator studied in a recent paper by Hawking-Hertog. Its Euclidean Path Integral is studied with a certain detail and a pedagogical derivation of the propagator, which makes use of a Theorem due to Forman, is consequently proposed
12 pages, no figures, error sign corrected in section 3, conclusions unchanged, one reference added