General Gauge Theories Research Articles

Null-Curves in ℝ2,n as Flat Dynamical Systems

It is proven that the differential equation for the null-curves of the pseudo-Euclidean space ℝ 2,n defines a flat dynamical system in the sense of optimal control theory. The connection with general gauge theories is briefly discussed.

Ward identities and gauge independence in general chiral gauge theories

Using the Batalin-Vilkovisky formalism, we study the Ward identities and the equations of gauge dependence in potentially anomalous general gauge theories, renormalizable or not. A crucial new term, absent in manifestly nonanomalous theories, is responsible for interesting effects. We prove that gauge invariance always implies gauge independence, which in turn ensures perturbative unitarity. Precisely, we consider potentially anomalous theories that are actually free of gauge anomalies thanks to the Adler-Bardeen theorem. We show that when we make a canonical transformation on the tree-level action, it is always possible to re-renormalize the divergences and re-fine-tune the finite local counterterms, so that the renormalized $\Gamma $ functional of the transformed theory is also free of gauge anomalies, and is related to the renormalized $\Gamma $ functional of the starting theory by a canonical transformation. An unexpected consequence of our results is that the beta functions of the couplings may depend on the gauge-fixing parameters, although the physical quantities remain gauge independent. We discuss nontrivial checks of high-order calculations based on gauge independence and determine how powerful they are.

Adler-Bardeen theorem and cancellation of gauge anomalies to all orders in nonrenormalizable theories

We prove the Adler-Bardeen theorem in a large class of general gauge theories, including nonrenormalizable ones. We assume that the gauge symmetries are general covariance, local Lorentz symmetry, and Abelian and non-Abelian Yang-Mills symmetries, and that the local functionals of vanishing ghost numbers satisfy a variant of the Kluberg-Stern--Zuber conjecture. We show that if the gauge anomalies are trivial at one loop, for every truncation of the theory there exists a subtraction scheme where they manifestly vanish to all orders, within the truncation. Outside the truncation the cancellation of gauge anomalies can be enforced by fine-tuning local counterterms. The framework of the proof is worked out by combining a recently formulated chiral dimensional regularization with a gauge invariant higher-derivative regularization. If the higher-derivative regularizing terms are placed well beyond the truncation, and the energy scale $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}$ associated with them is kept fixed, the theory is superrenormalizable and has the property that, once the gauge anomalies are canceled at one loop, they manifestly vanish from two loops onwards by simple power counting. When the $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}$ divergences are subtracted away and $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}$ is sent to infinity, the anomaly cancellation survives in a manifest form within the truncation and in a nonmanifest form outside. The standard model coupled to quantum gravity satisfies all the assumptions, so it is free of gauge anomalies to all orders.

Field-dependent BRST–anti-BRST Lagrangian transformations

We continue our study of finite BRST–anti-BRST transformations for general gauge theories in Lagrangian formalism, initiated in [arXiv:1405.0790 [hep-th] and arXiv:1406.0179 [hep-th]], with a doublet λa, a = 1, 2, of anticommuting Grassmann parameters, and prove the correctness of the explicit Jacobian in the partition function announced in [arXiv:1406.0179 [hep-th]], which corresponds to a change of variables with functionally dependent parameters λa = UaΛ induced by a finite Bosonic functional Λ(ϕ, π, λ) and by the anticommuting generators Ua of BRST–anti-BRST transformations in the space of fields ϕ and auxiliary variables πa, λ. We obtain a Ward identity depending on the field-dependent parameters λa and study the problem of gauge dependence, including the case of Yang–Mills theories. We examine a formulation with BRST–anti-BRST symmetry breaking terms, additively introduced into the quantum action constructed by the Sp(2)-covariant Lagrangian rules, obtain the Ward identity and investigate the gauge independence of the corresponding generating functional of Green's functions. A formulation with BRST symmetry breaking terms is developed. It is argued that the gauge independence of the above generating functionals is fulfilled in the BRST and BRST–anti-BRST settings. These concepts are applied to the average effective action in Yang–Mills theories within the functional renormalization group approach.

The a-function for gauge theories

The a-function is a proposed quantity defined for quantum field theories which has a monotonic behaviour along renormalisation group flows, being related to the beta-functions via a gradient flow equation involving a positive definite metric. We construct the a-function at four loop order for a general gauge theory with fermions and scalars, using only one and two loop beta-functions; we are then able to provide a stringent consistency check on the general three-loop gauge beta-function. In the case of an N=1 supersymmetric gauge theory, we present a general condition on the chiral field anomalous dimension which guarantees an exact all-orders expression for the a-function; and we verify this up to fifth order (corresponding to the three-loop anomalous dimension).

On gauge independence for gauge models with soft breaking of BRST symmetry

A consistent quantum treatment of general gauge theories with an arbitrary gauge-fixing in the presence of soft breaking of the BRST symmetry in the field–antifield formalism is developed. It is based on a gauged (involving a field-dependent parameter) version of finite BRST transformations. The prescription allows one to restore the gauge-independence of the effective action at its extremals and therefore also that of the conventional S-matrix for a theory with BRST-breaking terms being additively introduced into a BRST-invariant action in order to achieve a consistency of the functional integral. We demonstrate the applicability of this prescription within the approach of functional renormalization group to the Yang–Mills and gravity theories. The Gribov–Zwanziger action and the refined Gribov–Zwanziger action for a many-parameter family of gauges, including the Coulomb, axial and covariant gauges, are derived perturbatively on the basis of finite gauged BRST transformations starting from Landau gauge. It is proved that gauge theories with soft breaking of BRST symmetry can be made consistent if the transformed BRST-breaking terms satisfy the same soft BRST symmetry breaking condition in the resulting gauge as the untransformed ones in the initial gauge, and also without this requirement.

Quantum Field Theory and the Standard Model

In this lecture we discuss the basic ingredients for gauge invariant quantum field theories. We give an introduction to the elements of quantum field theory, to the construction of the basic Lagrangian for a general gauge theory, and proceed with the formulation of QCD and the electroweak Standard Model with electroweak symmetry breaking via the Higgs mechanism. The phenomenology of W and Z bosons is discussed and implications for the Higgs boson are derived from comparison with experimental precision data.

Finite BRST–antiBRST transformations in Lagrangian formalism

We continue the study of finite BRST–antiBRST transformations for general gauge theories in Lagrangian formalism initiated in [1], with a doublet λa, a=1,2, of anticommuting Grassmann parameters, and find an explicit Jacobian corresponding to this change of variables for constant λa. This makes it possible to derive the Ward identities and their consequences for the generating functional of Green's functions. We announce the form of the Jacobian (proved to be correct in [31]) for finite field-dependent BRST–antiBRST transformations with functionally-dependent parameters, λa=saΛ, induced by a finite even-valued functional Λ(ϕ,π,λ) and by the generators sa of BRST–antiBRST transformations, acting in the space of fields ϕ, antifields ϕa⁎,ϕ¯ and auxiliary variables πa,λ. On the basis of this Jacobian, we present and solve a compensation equation for Λ, which is used to achieve a precise change of the gauge-fixing functional for an arbitrary gauge theory. We derive a new form of the Ward identities, containing the parameters λa, and study the problem of gauge-dependence. The general approach is exemplified by the Freedman–Townsend model of a non-Abelian antisymmetric tensor field.

Field-dependent BRST–antiBRST transformations in Yang–Mills and Gribov–Zwanziger theories

We introduce the notion of finite BRST–antiBRST transformations, both global and field-dependent, with a doublet λa, a=1,2, of anticommuting Grassmann parameters and find explicit Jacobians corresponding to these changes of variables in Yang–Mills theories. It turns out that the finite transformations are quadratic in their parameters. At the same time, exactly as in the case of finite field-dependent BRST transformations for the Yang–Mills vacuum functional, special field-dependent BRST–antiBRST transformations, with sa-potential parameters λa=saΛ induced by a finite even-valued functional Λ and by the anticommuting generators sa of BRST–antiBRST transformations, amount to a precise change of the gauge-fixing functional. This proves the independence of the vacuum functional under such BRST–antiBRST transformations. We present the form of transformation parameters that generates a change of the gauge in the path integral and evaluate it explicitly for connecting two arbitrary Rξ-like gauges. For arbitrary differentiable gauges, the finite field-dependent BRST–antiBRST transformations are used to generalize the Gribov horizon functional h, given in the Landau gauge, and being an additive extension of the Yang–Mills action by the Gribov horizon functional in the Gribov–Zwanziger model. This generalization is achieved in a manner consistent with the study of gauge independence. We also discuss an extension of finite BRST–antiBRST transformations to the case of general gauge theories and present an ansatz for such transformations.

SARAH 4: A tool for (not only SUSY) model builders

We present the new version of the Mathematica package SARAH which provides the same features for a non-supersymmetric model as previous versions for supersymmetric models. This includes an easy and straightforward definition of the model, the calculation of all vertices, mass matrices, tadpole equations, and self-energies. Also the two-loop renormalization group equations for a general gauge theory are now included and have been validated with the independent Python code PyR@TE. Model files for FeynArts, CalcHep/CompHep, WHIZARD and in the UFO format can be written, and source code for SPheno for the calculation of the mass spectrum, a set of precision observables, and the decay widths and branching ratios of all states can be generated. Furthermore, the new version includes routines to output model files for Vevacious for both, supersymmetric and non-supersymmetric, models. Global symmetries are also supported with this version and by linking Susyno the handling of Lie groups has been improved and extended. Program summaryProgram title: SARAHCatalogue identifier: AEIB_v3_0Program summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/AEIB_v3_0.htmlProgram obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen’s University, Belfast, N. IrelandLicensing provisions: Standard CPC licence, http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/licence/licence.htmlNo. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 271795No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 2612867Distribution format: tar.gzProgramming language: Mathematica.Computer: All for which Mathematica is available.Operating system: All for which Mathematica is available.Classification: 11.1, 11.6.Catalogue identifier of previous version: AEIB_v2_1Journal reference of previous version: Comput. Phys. Commun. 184 (2013) 2604Does the new version supersede the previous version?: Yes, the new version includes all known features of the previous versions but also provides the new features mentioned below.Nature of problem:A supersymmetric model is usually characterized by the particle content, the gauge sector and the superpotential. It is a time consuming process to obtain all necessary information for phenomenological studies from these basic ingredients.Solution method:Non-supersymmetric models are supported by the new possibility to define not only chiral superfields but also component fields. The renormalization group equations (RGEs) for a non-supersymmetric models are calculated by using the generic formulae for a general quantum field theory.Reasons for new version:New features in the definition of models and a full support of non-supersymmetric models. New output for Vevacious.Summary of revisions:Support of non-supersymmetric models; calculation of renormalization group equations for a general gauge theory; link to Susyno for handling of non-SU(N) gauge groups; support of global symmetries; output of model files for Vevacious; support of aligned VEVs; calculation of gauge dependent parts of RGEs for VEVs in running of supersymmetric and non-supersymmetric models.Restrictions:Only renormalizable terms in the Lagrangian are supported. No support of fields with spin 2 or 3/2.Unusual features:Calculation of non-supersymmetric RGEs includes effects of kinetic mixing as well as gauge dependence of running vacuum expectation values. SARAH is the first tool which can automatically create model files for Vevacious. Fully automatized derivation of all terms in the Lagrangian which are fixed by gauge invariance.Running time:Loading the Standard Model: 1.6 s; calculation of all vertices: 11.8 s; calculation of all RGEs: 130.2 s; output for Vevacious model files: 0.1 s; output of model files in UFO format: 0.8 s; output of model files for FeynArts: 0.1 s; output of model files for CalcHep: 0.8 s; output of model files for WHIZARD: 3.5 s; writing of source code for SPheno: 34.5 s. All times measured on Lenovo X220 with Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-2620M CPU @ 2.70 GHz.

Color/kinematics duality for general abelian orbifolds of $ \mathcal{N} $ = 4 super Yang-Mills theory

To explore color/kinematics duality for general representations of the gauge group we formulate the duality for general abelian orbifolds of the SU(N), $ \mathcal{N} $ = 4 super Yang-Mills theory in four dimensions, which have fields in the bi-fundamental representation, and use it to construct explicitly complete four-vector and four-scalar amplitudes at one loop. For fixed number of supercharges, graph-organized L-loop n-point integrands of all orbifold theories are given in terms of a fixed set of polynomials labeled by L representations of the orbifold group. In contrast to the standard duality-satisfying presentation of amplitudes of the $ \mathcal{N} $ = 4 super Yang-Mills theory, each graph may appear several times with different internal states. The color and R-charge flow provide a way to deform the amplitudes of orbifold theories to those of more general quiver gauge theories which do not necessarily exhibit color/kinematics duality on their own. Based on the organization of amplitudes required by the duality between color and kinematics in orbifold theories we show how the amplitudes of certain non-factorized mattercoupled supergravity theories can be found through a double-copy construction. We also carry out a comprehensive search for theories with fields solely in the adjoint representation of the gauge group and amplitudes exhibiting color/kinematics duality for all external states and find an interesting relation between supersymmetry and existence of the duality.

Antisymmetric tensor Z p gauge symmetries in field theory and string theory

Abstract We consider discrete gauge symmetries in D dimensions arising as remnants of broken continuous gauge symmetries carried by general antisymmetric tensor fields, rather than by standard 1-forms. The lagrangian for such a general Z p gauge theory can be described in terms of a r-form gauge field made massive by a (r − 1)-form, or other dual realizations, that we also discuss. The theory contains charged topological defects of different dimensionalities, generalizing the familiar charged particles and strings in D = 4. We describe realizations in string theory compactifications with torsion cycles, or with background field strength fluxes. We also provide examples of non-abelian discrete groups, for which the group elements are associated with charged objects of different dimensionality.

PyR@TE: Renormalization group equations for general gauge theories

Although the two-loop renormalization group equations for a general gauge field theory have been known for quite some time, deriving them for specific models has often been difficult in practice. This is mainly due to the fact that, albeit straightforward, the involved calculations are quite long, tedious and prone to error. The present work is an attempt to facilitate the practical use of the renormalization group equations in model building. To that end, we have developed two completely independent sets of programs written in Python and Mathematica, respectively. The Mathematica scripts will be part of an upcoming release of SARAH 4. The present article describes the collection of Python routines that we dubbed PyR@TE which is an acronym for “Python Renormalization group equations At Two-loop for Everyone”. In PyR@TE, once the user specifies the gauge group and the particle content of the model, the routines automatically generate the full two-loop renormalization group equations for all (dimensionless and dimensionful) parameters. The results can optionally be exported to LaTeX and Mathematica, or stored in a Python data structure for further processing by other programs. For ease of use, we have implemented an interactive mode for PyR@TE in form of an IPython Notebook. As a first application, we have generated with PyR@TE the renormalization group equations for several non-supersymmetric extensions of the Standard Model and found some discrepancies with the existing literature. Program summaryProgram title: PyR@TECatalogue identifier: AERV_v1_0Program summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/AERV_v1_0.htmlProgram obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen’s University, Belfast, N. IrelandLicensing provisions: Standard CPC licence, http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/licence/licence.htmlNo. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 924959No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 495197Distribution format: tar.gzProgramming language: Python.Computer: Personal computer.Operating system: Tested on Fedora 15, MacOS 10 and 11, Ubuntu 12.Classification: 11.1.External routines: SymPy, PyYAML, NumPy, IPython, SciPyNature of problem:Deriving the renormalization group equations for a general quantum field theory.Solution method:Group theory, tensor algebraRunning time:Tens of seconds per model (one-loop), tens of minutes (two-loop)

Effective superpotential in the generic higher-derivative superfield supersymmetric three-dimensional gauge theory

We formulate a generic three-dimensional superfield higher-derivative gauge theory coupled to matter, which in certain cases reduces to the three-dimensional scalar super-QED, supersymmetric Maxwell-Chern-Simons, or Chern-Simons theories with matter. For this theory, we explicitly calculate the one-loop effective potential.

Charged D3-D7 plasmas: novel solutions, extremality and stability issues

We study finite temperature N=4 Super Yang-Mills (and more general gauge theories realized on intersecting D3-D7 branes) in the presence of dynamical massless fundamental matter fields at finite baryon charge density. We construct the holographic dual charged black hole solutions at first order in the flavor backreaction but exact in the charge density. The thermodynamical properties of the dual gauge theories coincide with the ones found in the usual charged D7-probe limit and the system turns out to be thermodynamically stable. By analyzing the higher order correction in the flavor backreaction, we provide a novel argument for the un-reliability of the charged probe approximation (and the present solution) in the extremality limit, i.e. at zero temperature. We then consider scalar mesonic-like bound states, whose spectrum is dual to that of linearized fluctuations of D7-brane worldvolume fields around our gravity backgrounds. In particular we focus on a scalar field saturating the Breitenlohner-Freedman bound in the flavorless limit, and coupled to fields dual to irrelevant operators. By looking at quasinormal modes of this scalar, we find no signals of instabilities in the regime of validity of the solutions.

Soft graviton effects on gauge theories in de Sitter space

We extend our investigation of soft graviton effects on the microscopic dynamics of matter fields in de Sitter space. We evaluate the quantum equation of motion in generic gauge theories. We find that the Lorentz invariance can be respected and the velocity of light is not renormalized at the one-loop level. The gauge coupling constant is universally screened by soft gravitons and diminishes with time. These features are in common with other four dimensional field theories with dimensionless couplings. In particular the couplings scale with time with definite scaling exponents. Although individual scaling exponents are gauge dependent, we argue that the relative scaling exponents are gauge independent and should be observable. We also mention soft graviton effects on cosmic microwave background.

Notes on the ambient approach to boundary values of AdS gauge fields

The ambient space allows us to formulate both fields on AdSd + 1 and conformal fields in d dimensions such that the symmetry algebra is realized linearly. We elaborate an ambient approach to the boundary analysis of gauge fields on AdSd + 1 spacetime. More technically, we use its parent extension where fields are still defined on AdS or conformal space through arbitrary intrinsic coordinates while the ambient construction works in the target space. In this way, a manifestly local and -covariant formulation of the boundary behavior of massless symmetric tensor gauge fields on AdSd + 1 spacetime is obtained. As a byproduct, we identify some useful ambient formulation for Fronsdal fields, conformal currents and shadow fields along with a concise generating-function formulation of the Fradkin–Tseytlin conformal fields somewhat similar to the one obtained by Metsaev. We also show how this approach extends to more general gauge theories and discuss its relation to the unfolded derivation of the boundary dynamics recently proposed by Vasiliev.This article is part of a special issue of Journal of Physics A: Mathematical and Theoretical devoted to ‘Higher spin theories and holography’.

Classification of symmetry enriched topological phases with exactly solvable models

Recently, a new class of quantum phases of matter---symmetry protected topological states, such as topological insulators---has attracted much attention. In presence of interactions, group cohomology provides a classification of these [Chen et al., Phys. Rev. B 87, 155114 (2013)]. These phases have short-ranged entanglement and no topological order in the bulk. However, when long-range entangled topological order is present, it is much less understood how to classify quantum phases of matter in the presence of global symmetries. Here we present a classification of bosonic gapped quantum phases with or without long-range entanglement in the presence or absence of on-site global symmetries. In $2+1$ dimensions, the quantum phases in the presence of a global symmetry group $SG$, and with topological order described by a finite gauge group $GG$, are classified by the cohomology group ${H}^{3}(SG\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}GG,U(1))$. Generally, in $d+1$ dimensions, such quantum phases are classified by ${H}^{d+1}(SG\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}GG,U(1))$. Although we only partially understand to what extent our classification is complete, we present an exactly solvable local bosonic model, in which the topological order is emergent, for each given class in our classification. When the global symmetry is absent, the topological order in our models is described by the general Dijkgraaf-Witten discrete gauge theories. When the topological order is absent, our models become the exactly solvable models for symmetry protected topological phases [Chen et al., Phys. Rev. B 87, 155114 (2013)]. When both the global symmetry and the topological order are present, our models describe symmetry enriched topological phases. Our classification includes, but goes beyond, the previously discussed projective symmetry group classification. Measurable signatures of these symmetry enriched topological phases and generalizations of our classification are discussed.

Renormalization of the cyclic Wilson loop

In finite-temperature field theory, the cyclic Wilson loop is defined as a rectangular Wilson loop spanning the whole compactified time direction. In a generic non-abelian gauge theory, we calculate the perturbative expansion of the cyclic Wilson loop up to order g^4. At this order and after charge renormalization, the cyclic Wilson loop is known to be ultraviolet divergent. We show that the divergence is not associated with cusps in the contour but is instead due to the contour intersecting itself because of the periodic boundary conditions. One consequence of this is that the cyclic Wilson loop mixes under renormalization with the correlator of two Polyakov loops. The resulting renormalization equation is tested up to order g^6 and used to resum the leading logarithms associated with the intersection divergence. Implications for lattice studies of this operator, which may be relevant for the phenomenology of quarkonium at finite temperature, are discussed.

Color-kinematic duality for form factors

Recently a powerful duality between color and kinematics has been proposed for integrands of scattering amplitudes in quite general gauge theories. In this paper the duality proposal is extended to the more general class of gauge theory observables formed by form factors. After a discussion of the general setup the existence of the duality is verified in two- and three-loop examples in four dimensional maximally supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory which involve the stress energy tensor multiplet. In these cases the duality reproduces known results in a particularly transparent and uniform way. As a non-trivial application we obtain a very simple form of the integrand of the four-loop two-point (Sudakov) form factor which passes a large set of unitarity cut checks.