Local Potential Approximation Research Articles

The numerically optimized regulator and the functional renormalization group

We aim to optimize the functional form of the compactly supported smooth (CSS) regulator within the functional renormalization group (RG), in the framework of bosonized two-dimensional quantum electrodynamics (QED2) and of the three-dimensional O(N = 1) scalar field theory in the local potential approximation (LPA). The principle of minimal sensitivity (PMS) is used for the optimization of the CSS regulator, recovering all the major types of regulators in appropriate limits. Within the investigated class of functional forms, a thorough investigation of the CSS regulator, optimized with two different normalizations within the PMS method, confirms that the functional form of a regulator first proposed by Litim is optimal within the LPA. However, Litim’s exact form leads to a kink in the regulator function. A form of the CSS regulator, numerically close to Litim’s limit while maintaining infinite differentiability, remains compatible with the gradient expansion to all orders. A smooth analytic behavior of the regulator is ensured by a small, but finite value of the exponential fall-off parameter in the CSS regulator. Consequently, a compactly supported regulator, in a parameter regime close to Litim’s optimized form, but regularized with an exponential factor, appears to have favorable properties and could be used to address the scheme dependence of the functional RG, at least within the approximations employed in the studies reported here.

Spontaneous symmetry breaking and optimization of functional renormalization group

The requirement for the absence of spontaneous symmetry breaking in the d=1 dimension has been used to optimize the regulator dependence of functional renormalization group equations in the framework of the sine-Gordon scalar field theory. Results obtained by the optimization of this kind were compared to those of the Litim-Pawlowski and the principle of minimal sensitivity optimization scenarios. The optimal parameters of the compactly supported smooth (CSS) regulator, which recovers all major types of regulators in appropriate limits, have been determined beyond the local potential approximation, and the Litim limit of the CSS was found to be the optimal choice.

Renormalization group flow and symmetry restoration in de Sitter space

We compute the renormalization group flow of O(N) scalar field theories in de Sitter space using nonperturbative renormalization group techniques in the local potential approximation. We obtain the flow of the effective potential on superhorizon scales for arbitrary space–time dimension D=d+1. We show that, due to strong infrared fluctuations, the latter is qualitatively similar to the corresponding one in Euclidean space RD with D=0. It follows that spontaneously broken symmetries are radiatively restored in any space–time dimension and for any value of N.

Functional renormalization group study of the two-flavor linear sigma model in the presence of the axial anomaly

The $SU(2)_A \times U(2)_V$-symmetric chiral linear sigma model in the presence of the axial anomaly is studied in the local-potential approximation of the Functional Renormalization Group (FRG). The renormalization group (RG) flow is investigated in a truncation which reproduces recent results for the $U(2)_A \times U(2)_V$-symmetric model in the limit of vanishing axial anomaly strength. We search for the conjectured O(4) fixed point in the presence of the $U(1)_A$ anomaly and analyze its stability properties.

Local potential approximation for the renormalization group flow of fermionic field theories

The second functional derivative of the effective potential of pure fermionic field theories is rewritten in a factorized form, which facilitates the evaluation of the renormalization flow rate of the effective action in the Wetterich equation. It is applied to the local potential approximation in cases when the effective potential depends on scalar composites built from the fermions. The procedure is demonstrated explicitly on the example of the ${N}_{f}$-flavor Gross-Neveu model and the one-flavor chiral Nambu--Jona-Lasinio model.

Revisiting the local potential approximation of the exact renormalization group equation

The conventional absence of field renormalization in the local potential approximation (LPA) — implying a zero value of the critical exponent η — is shown to be incompatible with the logic of the derivative expansion of the exact renormalization group (RG) equation. We present a LPA with η≠0 that strictly does not make reference to any momentum dependence. Emphasis is made on the perfect breaking of the reparametrization invariance in that pure LPA (absence of any vestige of invariance) which is compatible with the observation of a progressive smooth restoration of that invariance on implementing the two first orders of the derivative expansion whereas the conventional requirement (η=0 in the LPA) precluded that observation.

A COMPARED ANALYSIS OF THE SUSCEPTIBILITY IN THE O(N) THEORY

The longitudinal susceptibility χL of the O(N) theory in the broken phase is analyzed by means of three different approaches, namely the leading contribution of the 1/N expansion, the Functional Renormalization Group flow in the Local Potential approximation and the improved effective potential via the Callan–Symanzik equations, properly extended to d = 4 dimensions through the expansion in powers of ϵ = 4-d. The findings of the three approaches are compared and their agreement in the large N limit is shown. The numerical analysis of the Functional Renormalization Group flow equations at small N supports the vanishing of [Formula: see text] in d = 3 and d = 3.5 but is not conclusive in d = 4, where we have to resort to the Callan–Smanzik approach. At finite N as well as in the limit N→∞, we find that [Formula: see text] vanishes with J as Jϵ/2 for ϵ> 0 and as ( ln (J))-1 in d = 4.

Redundant operators in the exact renormalisation group and in the f (R) approximation to asymptotic safety

In this paper we review the definition and properties of redundant operators in the exact renormalisation group. We explain why it is important to require them to be eigenoperators and why generically they appear only as a consequence of symmetries of the particular choice of renormalisation group equations. This clarifies when Newton’s constant and or the cosmological constant can be considered inessential. We then apply these ideas to the Local Potential Approximation and approximations of a similar spirit such as the f (R) approximation in the asymptotic safety programme in quantum gravity. We show that these approximations can break down if the fixed point does not support a ‘vacuum’ solution in the appropriate domain: all eigenoperators become redundant and the physical space of perturbations collapses to a point. We show that this is the case for the recently discovered lines of fixed points in the f (R) flow equations.

Exact renormalization group flow in an expanding Universe and screening of the cosmological constant

We obtain the exact renormalization group (RG) flow equation for a self interacting real scalar field in an expanding cosmological background. The beta functional for the potential in the local potential approximation is determined in terms of the mode functions defining the vacuum of the theory. For a scalar in an inflating universe, which is released in the Bunch-Davies vacuum, the flow equation is analyzed in detail using the optimized cutoff function for the quartically truncated potential. In that case, the constant term in the potential, which can in fact be viewed as the cosmological constant, decreases as the IR cutoff is removed, supporting the existence of a quantum mechanical screening mechanism. On the other hand, the running of the quartic coupling constant at IR is altered by the expansion, which seems to affect the quantum triviality of the theory.

Functional renormalization group with a compactly supported smooth regulator function

The functional renormalization group equation with a compactly supported smooth (CSS) regulator function is considered. It is demonstrated that in an appropriate limit the CSS regulator recovers the optimized one and it has derivatives of all orders. The more generalized form of the CSS regulator is shown to reduce to all major type of regulator functions (exponential, power-law) in appropriate limits. The CSS regulator function is tested by studying the critical behavior of the bosonized two-dimensional quantum electrodynamics in the local potential approximation and the sine-Gordon scalar theory for d<2 dimensions beyond the local potential approximation. It is shown that a similar smoothing problem in nuclear physics has already been solved by introducing the so called Salamon-Vertse potential which can be related to the CSS regulator.

Critical line of the Φ^4 scalar field theory on a 4D cubic lattice in the local potential approximation

We establish the critical line of the one-component $\Phi^4$ (or Landau-Ginzburg) model on a simple four dimensional cubic lattice. Our study is performed in the framework of the non-perturbative renormalization group in the local potential approximation with a soft infra-red regulator. The transition is found to be of second order even in the Gaussian limit where first order would be expected according to some recent theoretical predictions.

INVARIANT FORMULATION OF THE FUNCTIONAL RENORMALIZATION GROUP METHOD FOR U(n)×U(n) SYMMETRIC MATRIX MODELS

The Local Potential Approximation (LPA) to the Wetterich-equation is formulated explicitly in terms of operators, which are invariant under the U (n)× U (n) symmetry group. Complete formulas are presented for the two-flavor ( U (2)× U (2)) case. The same approach leads to a unique natural truncation of the functional driving the renormalization flow of the potential of the three-flavor case ( U (3)× U (3)). The procedure applied to the SU (3)× SU (3) symmetric theory, results in an equation, which potentially allows an RG-investigation of the effect of the 't Hooft term representing the U A(1) anomaly, disentangled from the other operators.

Phases of supersymmetricO(N)theories

We perform a global renormalization group study of O(N) symmetric Wess-Zumino theories and their phases in three euclidean dimensions. At infinite N the theory is solved exactly. The phases and phase transitions are worked out for finite and infinite short-distance cutoffs. A distinctive new feature arises at strong coupling, where the effective superfield potential becomes multi-valued, signalled by divergences in the fermion-boson interaction. Our findings resolve the long-standing puzzle about the occurrence of degenerate O(N) symmetric phases. At finite N, we find a strongly-coupled fixed point in the local potential approximation and explain its impact on the phase transition. We also examine the possibility for a supersymmetric Bardeen-Moshe-Bander phenomenon, and relate our findings with the spontaneous breaking of supersymmetry in other models.

Critical line of the [formula omitted] theory on a simple cubic lattice in the local potential approximation

We establish the critical line of the one-component Φ4 (or Landau–Ginzburg) model on the simple cubic lattice in three dimensions. Our study is performed in the framework of the non-perturbative renormalization group in the local potential approximation. Soft as well as ultra-sharp infra-red regulators are both considered. While the latter gives poor results, the critical line given by the soft cut-off compares well with the Monte Carlo simulations data of Hasenbusch [M. Hasenbusch, J. Phys. A: Math. Gen. 32 (1999) 4851] with a relative error of, at worst, ∼3⋅10−3 on published points (critical parameters) of this line.

The local potential approximation in quantum gravity

Within the context of the functional renormalization group flow of gravity, we suggest that a generic f(R) ansatz (i.e. not truncated to any specific form, polynomial or not) for the effective action plays a role analogous to the local potential approximation (LPA) in scalar field theory. In the same spirit of the LPA, we derive and study an ordinary differential equation for f(R) to be satisfied by a fixed point of the renormalization group flow. As a first step in trying to assess the existence of global solutions (i.e. true fixed point) for such equation, we investigate here the properties of its solutions by a comparison of various series expansions and numerical integrations. In particular, we study the analyticity conditions required because of the presence of fixed singularities in the equation, and we develop an expansion of the solutions for large R up to order N=29. Studying the convergence of the fixed points of the truncated solutions with respect to N, we find a characteristic pattern for the location of the fixed points in the complex plane, with one point stemming out for its stability. Finally, we establish that if a non-Gaussian fixed point exists within the full f(R) approximation, it corresponds to an R^2 theory.

Optical Conductivity of Rattling Phonons in Type-I Clathrates Ba&lt;sub&gt;8&lt;/sub&gt;Ga&lt;sub&gt;16&lt;/sub&gt;Ge&lt;sub&gt;30&lt;/sub&gt; and Ba&lt;sub&gt;8&lt;/sub&gt;Ga&lt;sub&gt;16&lt;/sub&gt;Sn&lt;sub&gt;30&lt;/sub&gt;

We Review Our Dynamical Property Measurements of Rattling Phonons in Type-I Clathrate Compounds, the Quasi-on-Center Ba8Ga16Ge30 (BGG) and Off-Center Ba8Ga16Sn30 (BGS), Using a Terahertz Time-Domain Spectrometer. The Lowest-Lying Vibrational Modes of Rattling Ba Ions in the Oversized Cage Show Anomalous Temperature Dependence in their Spectra. For BGG, the Temperature Dependence Is Mostly Consistent with a Local Anharmonic Potential Approximation that Predicts Softening towards Low Temperature. On the other Hand, for BGS, a Single Broad Peak of Off-Center Rattling Phonons Splits into Two Subpeaks below 120 K, and, with Further Lowering Temperature, the Spectra Show Anomalous Broadening. While the Splitting Can Be Understood by the Double Well Potential, the Linewidth Broadening Must Be Attributed to some Relevant Interactions with such Excitations as Acoustic Phonons and Doped Carriers.

STRUCTURE OF THE BROKEN PHASE OF THE SINE-GORDON MODEL USING FUNCTIONAL RENORMALIZATION

We study in this paper the sine-Gordon model using functional renormalization group at local potential approximation using different renormalization group (RG) schemes. In d = 2, using Wegner–Houghton RG we demonstrate that the location of the phase boundary is entirely driven by the relative position to the Coleman fixed point even for strongly coupled bare theories. We show the existence of a set of IR fixed points in the broken phase that are reached independently of the bare coupling. The bad convergence of the Fourier series in the broken phase is discussed and we demonstrate that these fixed points can be found only using a global resolution of the effective potential. We then introduce the methodology for the use of average action method where the regulator breaks periodicity and show that it provides the same conclusions for various regulators. The behavior of the model is then discussed in d≠2 and the absence of the previous fixed points is interpreted.

The non-perturbative renormalization group in the ordered phase

We study some analytical properties of the solutions of the non-perturbative renormalization group flow equations for a scalar field theory with Z 2 symmetry in the ordered phase, i.e. at temperatures below the critical temperature. The study is made in the framework of the local potential approximation. We show that the required physical discontinuity of the magnetic susceptibility χ ( M ) at M = ± M 0 ( M 0 spontaneous magnetization) is reproduced only if the cut-off function which separates high and low energy modes satisfies to some restrictive explicit mathematical conditions; we stress that these conditions are not satisfied by a sharp cut-off in dimensions of space d < 4 . By generalizing a method proposed earlier by Bonanno and Lacagnina [Nucl. Phys. B 693 (2004) 36] to any kind of cut-off we propose to solve numerically the renormalization group flow equations for the threshold functions rather than for the local potential. It yields an algorithm sufficiently robust and precise to extract universal as well as non-universal quantities from numerical experiments at any temperature, in particular at sub-critical temperatures in the ordered phase. Numerical results obtained for the φ 4 potential with three different cut-off functions are reported and compared. The data confirm our theoretical predictions concerning the analytical behavior of χ ( M ) at M = ± M 0 . Fixed point solutions of the adimensioned renormalization group flow equations are also obtained in the same vein, that is by solving the fixed points equations and the associated eigenvalue problem for the threshold functions rather than for the potential. We report high precision data for the odd and even spectra of critical exponents for different cut-offs obtained in this way.

ONSET OF SYMMETRY BREAKING BY THE FUNCTIONAL RG METHOD

A numerical algorithm is used to solve the bare and the effective potential for the scalar ϕ4 model in the local potential approximation. An approximate dynamical Maxwell-cut is found which reveals itself in the degeneracy of the action for modes at some scale. This result indicates that the potential develop singular field dependence as far as one can see it by an algorithm of limited numerical accuracy.

Functional renormalization group at finite density and Bose condensation

We discuss the functional renormalization group and pion condensation in the presence of a finite isospin chemical potential $\mu_I$. We calculate the phase diagram as function of temperature $T$ and $\mu_I$. While the exact effective average action is invariant under certain gauge transformations, the effective action in the local-potential approximation is not. As a consequence, the critical chemical potential $\mu_I^c$ for Bose-Einstein condensation at T=0 is no longer equal to the mass of the condensing mode. We discuss possible solutions to this problem.