EQUIVALENCE OF LIGHT-FRONT AND COVARIANT FIELD-THEORY

In this paper we discuss the relation between the standard covariant q uantum held theory and light-front field theory. We define covariant t heory by its Feynman diagrams, whereas light-front held theory is defi ned in terms of light-cone time-ordered diagrams. A general algorithm is proposed that produces the latter from any Feynman diagram. The pro cedure is illustrated in several cases. Technical problems that occur in the light-front formulation and have no counterpart in the covarian t formulation are identified and solved. The problem of renormalizatio n is not discussed in this paper.