Infrared Unification: Quarks and Electrons Attract Equal Force

In summary, the strong interaction has a strong coupling in the infrared and a weak coupling in the ultraviolet. There is a scale at which the strong coupling has the same value as the electromagnetic coupling, and interesting physics can be observed in the infrared region. However, it has been suggested that by adjusting quark masses, a limit cycle can be induced in the three nucleon problem, which may have implications in lattice QCD.
  • #1
arivero
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If the strong coupling goes to zero in the infrared... is there some scale at which it has the same value that the electromagnetic coupling?

At this energy, a quark should attract another quark with about the same force it should attact an electron. Curious.
 
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  • #2
Hi arivero,

You've accidentally got it backwards, the coupling is strong in the infrared and weak in the ultraviolet. The strong interaction has an ultraviolet fixed point corresponding to asymptotic freedom. The strong interaction does have some very interesting physics associated with its RG structure in the infrared. For example, it has been suggested that by tuning the quark masses just a tad, a RG limit cycle can be induced in the three nucleon problem. The proximity of physical QCD to this limit cycle is evident in the physics of the three nucleon problem, and may have important consequences in lattice QCD.
 
  • #3
UUUUPS! I should delete the whole thread to wipe away any proof of my mistake. I was all the week thinking at the electroweak/technicolor scale and then for consistence my mind reversed the asymptotic freedom / infrared slavery concepts.
 

1. What is Infrared Unification?

Infrared Unification is a theory proposed by scientists to explain the relationship between quarks and electrons. It suggests that both particles are attracted to each other by an equal force at long distances.

2. How does Infrared Unification differ from other theories?

Infrared Unification differs from other theories, such as the Standard Model, by proposing that quarks and electrons are not fundamentally different particles, but rather two different states of the same particle. It also suggests that the strong and electromagnetic forces are unified at long distances.

3. What evidence supports the theory of Infrared Unification?

The theory of Infrared Unification is supported by various experimental data, including the behavior of particles at high energies, the symmetry between quarks and leptons, and the observed relationship between the strong and electromagnetic forces.

4. How does Infrared Unification relate to the search for a Grand Unified Theory (GUT)?

Infrared Unification is often seen as a stepping stone towards a Grand Unified Theory, as it provides a framework for understanding the unification of the strong and electromagnetic forces. However, it does not address the unification of the weak force, which is a key component of a GUT.

5. What implications does Infrared Unification have for our understanding of the universe?

If Infrared Unification is proven to be true, it would have major implications for our understanding of the fundamental forces and particles in the universe. It could potentially lead to a more complete understanding of the origins and evolution of the universe, as well as provide insights into the nature of dark matter and dark energy.

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