On the "Edge of the Wedge" Theorem

Abstract

In the mathematical justification of the formal calculations of axiomatic quantum field theory and the theory of dispersion relations, a strategic role is played by a theorem on analytic functions of several complex variables which has been given the euphonious name of the edge of the wedge theorem. The statement of the theorem seems to be due originally to N. Bogoliubov (cf. 3, Mathematical Appendix, pp. 654-673) but no complete proof which is fully satisfactory from the mathematical point of view has yet appeared in the literature.