Renormalizable asymptotically free quantum theory of gravity

Abstract

We prove that higher derivative quantum gravity is asymptotically free in all essential coupling constants by the calculation of one-loop counterterms (correcting the previous result of Julve and Tonin) and the solution of the corresponding renormalization group (RG) equations. Strong arguments are presented in favour of the possibility that renormalizable asymptotically free gravity establishes asymptotic freedom for the effective mass parameters and non-gauge couplings in grand unified gauge theories. We also analyse the RG equations in the Einstein theory with Λ term and in the higher derivative conformal invariant theories. Among other topics discussed are the algorithm for the divergences of the determinant of the fourth-order differential operator, the consistent renormalization of the boundary terms in the action, the one-loop β-function in the fourth derivative vector gauge theory and the RG equations in the “gφ 4 + ηRφ 2” theory.