The Role of Riemann’s Zeta Function in Mathematics and Physics †,‡

Abstract

In particular, Riemann’s impact on mathematics and physics alike is demonstrated using methods originating from the theory of numbers and from quantum electrodynamics, i.e., from the behavior of an electron in a prescribed external electromagnetic field. More specifically, we employ Riemann’s zeta function to regularize the otherwise infinite results of the so-called Heisenberg–Euler Lagrangian. As a spin-off, we also calculate some integrals that are useful in mathematics and physics.

Keywords

• Riemann
• zeta function
• functional equation
• Heisenberg-Euler Lagrangian