Various combinatorially non-local field theories are known to be renormalizable. Still, explicit calculations of amplitudes are very rare and restricted to matrix field theory. In this contribution I want to demonstrate how the BPHZ momentum scheme in terms of the Connes-Kreimer Hopf algebra applies to any combinatorially non-local field theory which is renormalizable. This algebraic method improves the understanding of known results in noncommutative field theory in its matrix formulation. Furthermore, I use it to provide new explicit perturbative calculations of amplitudes in tensorial field theories of rank $r>2$.
A configuration space version of BPHZ renormalization is proved in the realm of perturbative algebraic quantum field theory. All arguments are formulated entirely in configuration space so that the range of application is extended to analytic spacetimes. Further the relation to the momentum space method is established. In the course of that, it is necessary to study the limit of constant coupling.
The notion of normal products, a generalization of Wick products, is derived with respect to BPHZ renormalization formulated entirely in configuration space. Inserted into time-ordered products, normal products admit the limit of coinciding field operators, which constitute the product. The derivation requires the introduction of Zimmermann identities, which relate field monomials or renormalization parts with differing subtraction degree. Furthermore, we calculate the action of wave operators on elementary fields inserted into time-ordered products, exploiting the properties of normal product…
Recent developments for BPHZ renormalization performed in configuration space are reviewed and applied to the model of a scalar quantum field with quartic self-interaction. An extension of the results regarding the short-distance expansion and the Zimmermann identity is shown for a normal product, which is quadratic in the field operator. The realization of the equation of motion is computed for the interacting field and the relation to parametric differential equations is indicated.
We apply a soft version of the BPHZ subtraction scheme to the computation of two-loop corrections from an Abelian Chern-Simons field coupled to (massive) scalar matter with a $λ(Φ^\dagΦ)^2$ and $ν(Φ^\dagΦ)^3$ self-interactions. The two-loop renormalization group functions are calculated. We compare our results with those in the literature.
In a recent work a modified BPHZ scheme has been introduced and applied to one-loop Feynman graphs in non-commutative phi^4-theory. In the present paper, we first review the BPHZ method and then we apply the modified BPHZ scheme as well as Zimmermann's forest formula to the sunrise graph, i.e. a typical higher-loop graph involving overlapping divergences. Furthermore, we show that the application of the modified BPHZ scheme to the IR-singularities appearing in non-planar graphs (UV/IR mixing problem) leads to the introduction of a 1/p^2 term and thereby to a renormalizable model. Finally, we a…
In this letter we call into question the perturbatively parity breakdown at 1-loop for the massless QED_3 frequently claimed in the literature. As long as perturbative quantum field theory is concerned, whether a parity anomaly owing to radiative corrections exists or not will be definitely proved by using a renormalization method independent of any regularization scheme. Such a problem has been investigated in the framework of BPHZL renormalization method, by adopting the Lowenstein-Zimmermann subtraction scheme. The 1-loop parity-odd contribution to the vacuum-polarization tensor is explicit…
The combinatorics of the BPHZ subtraction scheme for a class of ladder graphs for the three point vertex in $ϕ^3$ theory is transcribed into certain connectivity relations for marked chord diagrams (knots with transversal intersections). The resolution of the singular crossings using the equivalence relations in these examples provides confirmation of a proposed fundamental relationship between knot theory and renormalization in perturbative quantum field theory.
The perturbative construction of the S-matrix in the causal spacetime approach of Epstein and Glaser may be interpreted as a method of regularization for divergent Feynman diagrams. The results of any method of regularization must be equivalent to those obtained from the Epstein-Glaser (EG) construction, within the freedom left by the latter. In particular, the conceptually well-defined approach of Bogoliubov, Parasuk, Hepp, and Zimmermann (BPHZ), though conceptually different from EG, meets this requirement. Based on this equivalence we propose a modified BPHZ procedure which provides a signi…
It is well known that the mathematical structure underlying renormalization in perturbative quantum field theory is based on a Hopf algebra of Feynman diagrams. A precondition for this is locality of the field theory. Consequently, one might suspect that non-local field theories such as matrix or tensor field theories cannot benefit from a similar algebraic understanding. Here I show that, on the contrary, the renormalization and perturbative diagramatics of a broad class of such field theories is based in the same way on a Hopf algebra. These theories are characterized by interaction vertices…
Quantum Field Theory, as the keystone of particle physics, has allowed great insights to deciphering the core of Nature. Despite its striking success, by adhering to local interactions, Quantum Field Theory suffers from the appearance of divergent quantities in intermediary steps of the calculation, which encompasses the need for some regularization/renormalization prescription. As an alternative to traditional methods, based on the analytic extension of space-time dimension, frameworks that stay in the physical dimension have emerged, Implicit Regularization is one among them. We briefly revi…
We introduce a new prescription for renormalizing Feynman diagrams. The prescription is similar to BPHZ, but it is mass independent, and works in the massless limit as the MS scheme with dimensional regularization. The prescription gives a diagrammatic solution to Wilson's exact renormalization group differential equation.
We suggest a renewed view on non-renormalizable interactions treated perturbatively within a kinematically dependent renormalization procedure. It is based on the usual BPHZ R-operation which is equally applicable to any local QFT independently whether it is renormalizable or not. The key point is that the renormalization constant becomes the function of kinematical variables acting as an operator on the amplitude. The procedure is demonstrated by the example of D=8 supersymmetric gauge theory considered within the spinor helicity formalism.
We analyze an abelian gauge model in 3 dimensions which includes massless scalar matter fields. By controlling the trace anomalies with a local dilatation Ward identity, we show that, in perturbation theory and within the BPHZL scheme, the Chern-Simons term has no radiative corrections. This implies, in particular, the vanishing of the corresponding $β$ function in the renormalization group equation.
The UV renormalization scheme $\text{MS}^4$ emerged in the formalization of the reasoning which yielded an array of important algorithms in the 80's. $\text{MS}^4$ guarantees finiteness of renormalized integrals by construction, satisfies the Stueckelberg-Bogolyubov causality axiom for the R-operation, and turns out to be a 4-dimensional analog of t'Hooft's MS-scheme. The well-known IBP reduction algorithm can be ported to $\text{MS}^4$ with modifications, but without problems. $\text{MS}^4$ exhibits transparency of the structure, simplicity of the arithmetic at $D=4$, and new calculational op…
We give a new proof of the renormalizability of a class of matter field theories on a space-time lattice; in particular we consider $ϕ^4$ and massive Yukawa theories with Wilson fermions. We use the Polchinski approach to renormalization, which is based on the Wilson flow equation; this approach is substantially simpler than the BPHZ method, applied to the lattice by Reisz. We discuss matter theories with staggered fermions. In particular we analyse a simple kind of staggered fermions with minimal doubling, using which we prove the renormalizability of a chiral sigma model with exact chiral sy…
The two-loop interaction correction coefficient to the universal ac conductivity of disorder-free intrinsic graphene is computed with the help of a field theoretic renormalization study using the BPHZ prescription. Non-standard Ward identities imply that divergent subgraphs (related to Fermi velocity renormalization) contribute to the renormalized optical conductivity. Proceeding either via density-density or via current-current correlation functions, a single well-defined value is obtained: $\mathcal{C}= (19-6π)/12) = 0.01$ in agreement with the result first obtained by Mishchenko and which i…
We analyze the restoration of the Slavnov-Taylor (ST) identities for pure massless Yang-Mills theory in the Landau gauge within the BPHZL renormalization scheme with IR regulator. We obtain the most general form of the action-like part of the symmetric regularized action, obeying the relevant ST identities and all other relevant symmetries of the model, to all orders in the loop expansion. We also give a cohomological characterization of the fulfillment of BPHZL IR power-counting criterion, guaranteeing the existence of the limit where the IR regulator goes to zero. The technique analyzed in t…
Subdivergences constitute a major obstacle to the evaluation of Feynman integrals and an expression in terms of finite quantities can be a considerable advantage for both analytic and numeric calculations. We report on our implementation of the suggestion by F. Brown and D. Kreimer, who proposed to use a modified BPHZ scheme where all counterterms are single-scale integrals. Paired with parametric integration via hyperlogarithms, this method is particularly well suited for the computation of renormalization group functions and easily automated. As an application of this approach we compute the…
This paper addresses three topics concerning the quantization of non-commutative field theories (as defined in terms of the Moyal star product involving a constant tensor describing the non-commutativity of coordinates in Euclidean space). To start with, we discuss the Quantum Action Principle and provide evidence for its validity for non-commutative quantum field theories by showing that the equation of motion considered as insertion in the generating functional Zc[j] of connected Green functions makes sense. Second, we consider the generalization of the BPHZ renormalization scheme to non-com…
This article aims to give a short introduction into Hopf-algebraic aspects of renormalization, enjoying growing attention for more than a decade by now. As most available literature is concerned with the minimal subtraction scheme, we like to point out properties of the kinematic subtraction scheme which is also widely used in physics (under the names of MOM or BPHZ). In particular we relate renormalized Feynman rules $ϕ_R$ in this scheme to the universal property of the Hopf algebra $H_R$ of rooted trees, exhibiting a refined renormalization group equation which is equivalent to $ϕ_R: H_R \ri…
The renormalization procedure is proved to be a rigorous way to get finite answers in a renormalizable class of field theories. We claim, however, that it is redundant if one reduces the requirement of finiteness to S-matrix elements only and does not require finiteness of intermediate quantities like the off-shell Green functions. We suggest a novel view on the renormalization procedure. It is based on the usual BPHZ R-operation, which is equally applicable to any local QFT, renormalizable or not. The key point is the replacement of the multiplicative renormalization, used in renormalizable t…
Preliminary version of a contribution to the "Quantum Field Theory. Non-Perturbative QFT" topical area of "Modern Encyclopedia of Mathematical Physics" (SELECTA), eds. Aref'eva I, and Sternheimer D, Springer (2007). Consists of two parts - "main article" (Large N Expansion. Vector Models) and a "brief article" (BPHZL Renormalization).
We analyse 4-dimensional massive $\vp^4$ theory at finite temperature T in the imaginary-time formalism. We present a rigorous proof that this quantum field theory is renormalizable, to all orders of the loop expansion. Our main point is to show that the counterterms can be chosen temperature independent, so that the temperature flow of the relevant parameters as a function of $T$ can be followed. Our result confirms the experience from explicit calculations to the leading orders. The proof is based on flow equations, i.e. on the (perturbative) Wilson renormalization group. In fact we will sho…
Nowadays, noncommutative geometry is a growing domain of mathematics, which can appear as a promising framework for modern physics. Quantum field theories on "noncommutative spaces" are indeed much investigated, and suffer from a new type of divergence called the ultraviolet-infrared mixing. However, this problem has recently been solved by H. Grosse and R. Wulkenhaar by adding to the action of a noncommutative scalar model a harmonic term, which renders it renormalizable. One aim of this thesis is the extension of this procedure to gauge theories on the Moyal space. Indeed, we have introduced…
This review provides a detailed introduction to chiral gauge theories, renormalization theory, and the application of dimensional regularization with the non-anticommuting BMHV scheme for $γ_5$. One goal is to show how chiral gauge theories can be renormalized despite the spurious breaking of gauge invariance and how to obtain the required symmetry-restoring counterterms. A second goal is to familiarize the reader with the theoretical basis of the renormalization of chiral gauge theories, the theorems that guarantee the existence of renormalized chiral gauge theories at all orders as consisten…
The results of the mathematical theory of asymptotic operation developed in hep-th/9612037 are applied to problems of immediate physical interest. First, the problem of UV renormalizationis analyzed from the viewpoint of asymptotic behaviour of integrands in momentum representation. A new prescription for UV renormalization in momentum space representation is presented (generalized minimal subtraction scheme); it ensures UV convergence of renormalized diagrams by construction, makes no use of special (e.g. dimensional) regularizations, and comprizes massless renormalization schemes (including …
We provide a non-technical overview of recent extensions of renormalization methods and techniques to Group Field Theories (GFTs), a class of combinatorially non-local quantum field theories which generalize matrix models to dimension $d \geq 3$. More precisely, we focus on GFTs with so-called closure constraint, which are closely related to lattice gauge theories and quantum gravity spin foam models. With the help of recent tensor model tools, a rich landscape of renormalizable theories has been unravelled. We review our current understanding of their renormalization group flows, at both pert…
The parity-preserving $U_A(1)\times U_a(1)$ massive QED$_3$ is ultraviolet finiteness -- exhibits vanishing $β$-functions, associated to the gauge coupling constants (electric and pseudochiral charges) and the Chern-Simons mass parameter, and all the anomalous dimensions of the fields -- as well as is parity and gauge anomaly free at all orders in perturbation theory. The proof is independent of any regularization scheme and it is based on the quantum action principle in combination with general theorems of perturbative quantum field theory by adopting the Becchi-Rouet-Stora (BRS) algebraic re…
The field theoretic renormalization study of reduced quantum electrodynamics (QED) is performed up to two loops. In the condensed matter context, reduced QED constitutes a very natural effective relativistic field theory describing (planar) Dirac liquids, e.g., graphene and graphene-like materials, the surface states of some topological insulators and possibly half-filled fractional quantum Hall systems. From the field theory point of view, the model involves an effective (reduced) gauge field propagating with a fractional power of the d'Alembertian in marked contrast with usual QEDs. The use …
The description of symmetry breaking proposed by K. Symanzik within the framework of renormalizable theories is generalized from the geometrical point of view. For an arbitrary compact Lie group, a soft breaking of arbitrary covariance, and an arbitrary field multiplet, the expected integrated Ward identities are shown to hold to all orders of renormalized perturbation theory provided the Lagrangian is suitably chosen. The corresponding local Ward identity which provides the Lagrangian version of current algebra through the coupling to an external, classical, Yang-Mills field, is then proved t…
In this paper, three methods for describing the conformal transformations of the S-matrix in quantum field theory are proposed. They are illustrated by applying the algebraic renormalization procedure to the quantum scalar field theory, defined by the LSZ reduction mechanism in the BPHZ renormalization scheme. Central results are shown to be independent of scheme choices and derived to all orders in loop expansions. Firstly, the local Callan-Symanzik equation is constructed, in which the insertion of the trace of the energy-momentum tensor is related to the beta function and the anomalous dime…
