A large twist limit for any operator

Abstract

We argue that for any single-trace operator in mathcal{N} = 4 SYM theory there is a large twist double-scaling limit in which the Feynman graphs have an iterative structure. Such structure can be recast using a graph-building operator. Generically, this operator mixes between single trace operators with different scaling limits. The mixing captures both the finite coupling spectrum and corrections away from the large twist limit. We first consider a class of short operators with gluons and fermions for which such mixing problems do not arise, and derive their finite coupling spectra. We then focus on a class of long operators with gluons that do mix. We invert their graph-building operator and prove its integrability. The picture that emerges from this work opens the door to a systematic expansion of mathcal{N} = 4 SYM theory around the large twist limit.