Final answer:
Dimensional regularization is a technique used in quantum field theory to handle divergent integrals. It involves performing calculations in a higher-dimensional space and then analytically continuing the results back to the desired dimension. This allows for meaningful and finite calculations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dimensional regularization is a technique commonly used in quantum field theory to handle divergent integrals. In this method, one performs calculations in a space with a higher number of dimensions and then analytically continues the results back to the desired dimension. The idea is that by extending the dimensions, the divergences become milder and more manageable, allowing for meaningful calculations.
For example, consider the calculation of a loop diagram in quantum field theory. In its discrete form, the integral may lead to divergences that are difficult to handle. However, by performing an analytic continuation to a higher-dimensional space, the integrals become well-behaved, and we can then obtain finite and meaningful results.