One-loop algebras and fixed flow trajectories in adjoint multi-scalar gauge theory

Abstract

We study the one loop renormalisation of 4d SU(N) Yang-Mills theory with M adjoint representation scalar multiplets related by O(M) symmetry. General M are of field theoretic interest, and the 4d one loop beta function of the gauge coupling g2 vanishes for the case M = 22, which is intriguing for string theory. This case is related to D3 branes of critical bosonic string theory in D = 22 + 4 = 26. An RG fixed point could have provided a definition for a purely bosonic AdS/CFT, but we show that scalar self-couplings λ ruin one-loop conformal invariance in the large N limit. There are real fixed flows (fixed points of λ/g2) only for M ≥ 406, rendering one-loop fixed points of the gauge coupling and scalar couplings incompatible.We develop and check an algebraic approach to the one-loop renormalisation group which we find to be characterised by a non-associative algebra of marginal couplings. In the large N limit, the resulting RG flows typically suffer from strong coupling in both the ultraviolet and the infrared. Only for M ≥ 406 fine-tuned solutions exist which are weakly coupled in the infrared.