Are all divergences in quantum field theory logarithmic?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the nature of divergences in quantum field theory (QFT) as presented in Zee's QFT book. It establishes that the renormalization group (RG) equation implies a logarithmic dependence in the amplitude M(p) when expressed as M(p)=λ₀+Γ(Λ,p,λ₀). The conversation highlights that while logarithmic divergences arise from couplings with zero mass dimension, other divergences, such as linear or quadratic, indicate nonrenormalizable theories. Thus, for a theory to be renormalizable, it must exhibit at least logarithmic divergence.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum field theory (QFT) principles
  • Familiarity with renormalization group (RG) equations
  • Knowledge of mass dimensions in quantum field theories
  • Basic concepts of divergences in quantum field theory
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  • Study the implications of logarithmic divergences in QFT
  • Explore the renormalization process in quantum electrodynamics (QED)
  • Investigate the significance of mass dimensions in determining renormalizability
  • Learn about nonrenormalizable theories and their implications in particle physics
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The discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, quantum field theorists, and advanced students seeking to deepen their understanding of divergences and renormalization in quantum field theory.

geoduck
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In Zee's QFT book he writes an amplitude as:

[tex]M(p)=\lambda_0+\Gamma(\Lambda,p,\lambda_0)[/tex]

He then states that you make a measurement:

[tex]M(\mu)=\lambda_0+\Gamma(\Lambda,\mu,\lambda_0) \equiv \lambda_R[/tex]

and substitute that into M(p) to get:

[tex]M(p)=\lambda_R+\left[\Gamma(\Lambda,p,\lambda_0)-\Gamma(\Lambda,\mu,\lambda_0) \right][/tex]
which is independent of [itex]\Lambda[/itex]. But isn't this only true if [itex]\Gamma[/itex] is logarithmically divergent in a ratio [itex]\Lambda^2/p^2[/itex]? What if this is not the case?

But generally speaking, doesn't the RG equation say that if:

[tex]M(p)=\lambda_0+\Gamma(\Lambda,p,\lambda_0)[/tex]

then it must be true that:

[tex]M(p)=\lambda_R+\Gamma(\mu,p,\lambda_0)[/tex]

Doesn't this force a log dependence, because:

[tex]M(p)=\lambda_R+\Gamma(\mu,p,\lambda_0)=<br /> \lambda_R+\left[\Gamma(\Lambda,p,\lambda_0)-\Gamma(\Lambda,\mu,\lambda_0) \right][/tex]

which gives an equation involving [itex]\Gamma[/itex], and doesn't that equation force a log dependence of [itex]\Gamma[/itex]?

But surely you can have divergences that aren't log!
 
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Logarithmic divergence arises when the coupling has mass dimension zero.All other coupling having mass dimension positive are known to be renormalizable. we can prove that zero mass dimension theory(like [itex]\phi^4[/itex],quantum electrodynamics) is renormalizable however it is not very easy to tell if the theory is renormalizable or not if it's mass dimension is zero.If the dimension is negative, then it is nonrenormalizable.So in order to have a renormalizable theory you should have at least the logarithmic divergence.If the theory is linearly or quadratically divergent,mass dimension goes as -1,-2,they are nonrenormalizable.
 

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