Fourier–Matsubara series expansion for imaginary–time correlation functions

A Fourier–Matsubara series expansion is derived for imaginary–time correlation functions that constitutes the imaginary–time generalization of the infinite Matsubara series for equal-time correlation functions. The expansion is consistent with all known exact properties of imaginary–time correlation functions and opens up new avenues for the utilization of quantum Monte Carlo simulation data. Moreover, the expansion drastically simplifies the computation of imaginary–time density–density correlation functions with the finite temperature version of the self-consistent dielectric formalism. Its existence underscores the utility of imaginary–time as a complementary domain for many-body physics.