Two separate renormalization group equations?

In summary, there are two separate renormalization group equations: one for how the physical coupling constants change with energy and one for how the bare parameters/coupling constants change with cutoff. There is a relationship between the two, as they both follow the same RG equation. However, it can be confusing as textbooks may use the term renormalization group loosely, making it difficult to determine which one they are referring to. Ultimately, the goal is to understand how the physical coupling constants change with energy, as this is what can be measured experimentally.
  • #1
geoduck
258
2
Are there two separate renormalization group equations?

One for how the physical coupling constants change with time, and one for how the bare parameters/coupling constants change with cutoff?

Is there a relationship between the two?

It just seems that textbooks use the term renormalization group loosely, and I can't tell sometimes which one are they referring to, the bare or physical coupling constants.

Also, who really cares how the bare coupling constants change with cutoff? Isn't the prize how the physical coupling constants change with energy? Isn't that the only thing that can be measured experimentally?
 
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  • #2
Not sure how to edit my post, but I meant physical coupling constants changing with energy, not time, while the bare coupling constants change with cutoff (or dimension if regularizing dimensionally).

If you have:

[tex]\lambda_P (\mu)=\lambda(\Lambda)+C\lambda^2(\Lambda) \log(\frac{\Lambda}{\mu}) [/tex]

then it seems that they obey the same RG equation:

[tex]\mu \frac{d\lambda_P}{ d\mu}=-C\lambda_{P}^2 [/tex]

and

[tex]\Lambda \frac{d\lambda}{ d\Lambda}=-C\lambda^2 [/tex]
 

1. What is a renormalization group equation?

A renormalization group equation is a mathematical tool used in theoretical physics to describe how physical quantities change as the energy scale or distance scale changes. It is used to study the behavior of physical systems at different energy or length scales, and to understand how they are related.

2. What is the significance of having two separate renormalization group equations?

The presence of two separate renormalization group equations in a system indicates that there are two distinct energy scales at play in the system. This can arise when there are two different types of particles or interactions present, each with their own characteristic energy scale. The two equations allow for a more detailed understanding of the system's behavior at different energy scales.

3. How are the two renormalization group equations related?

The two renormalization group equations are often coupled, meaning that they are connected and influence each other. This is because the behavior of a system at one energy scale can affect its behavior at other energy scales. The coupling between the two equations can reveal interesting phenomena, such as phase transitions, in the system.

4. Can the renormalization group equations be solved exactly?

In most cases, the renormalization group equations cannot be solved exactly. However, certain simplified models or approximations can yield exact solutions. In general, numerical methods and approximations are used to solve the equations and make predictions about the behavior of a system at different energy scales.

5. How are renormalization group equations used in practical applications?

Renormalization group equations have been used in a variety of practical applications, such as in the study of phase transitions, condensed matter physics, and quantum field theory. They have also been used in cosmology, particularly in the study of the early universe and the behavior of matter and energy at extremely high energy scales.

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