Beta-function for the Gross-Neveu model

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SUMMARY

The beta function for the Gross-Neveu model is derived from the Lagrangian $$\mathcal{L} = \bar{\Psi}_{i}(i\not{\partial} )\Psi_{i}-g\sigma \bar{\Psi}_i\Psi_i-\frac{1}{2}\sigma^2$$, resulting in $$\beta(g) = -\frac{g^3}{4\pi}(N+2)$$. This model is asymptotically free, and discrepancies in results from various sources are noted, particularly regarding the definition of the coupling constant and the number of Dirac fermions, N. The discussion references solutions from Xianyu and Zinn-Justin, which align with the derived beta function, while highlighting a correction in the sign of the coupling constant that affects the final result.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum field theory concepts, particularly renormalization.
  • Familiarity with the Gross-Neveu model and its Lagrangian formulation.
  • Knowledge of beta functions and their significance in asymptotic freedom.
  • Experience with regularization techniques in quantum field theory.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of beta functions in quantum field theories, focusing on the Gross-Neveu model.
  • Learn about different regularization schemes and their impact on quantum field calculations.
  • Examine the relationship between the Gross-Neveu model and free massless bosons, particularly for N=1.
  • Review the solutions provided by Xianyu and Zinn-Justin for further insights into the beta function calculations.
USEFUL FOR

The discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, particularly those specializing in quantum field theory, as well as graduate students seeking to understand the nuances of the Gross-Neveu model and its renormalization properties.

Manu_
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Homework Statement
In the Peskin & Schroeder textbook, the $\beta$-function for the Gross-Neveu model is discussed in problem 12.2. After computing it, I have tried checking my results with some solutions found online. My problem is that they all disagree among each other (something quite recurrent for this book actually).
Relevant Equations
$$\mathcal{L} = \bar{\Psi}_{i}(i\not{\partial} )\Psi_{i}-g\sigma \bar{\Psi}_i\Psi_i-\frac{1}{2}\sigma^2$$

$$\delta_{Z_{\Psi}}=(ig)^2\int \frac{d^{d}k}{(2\pi)^d} Tr[\frac{i\not{k}}{k^2}\frac{i}{(k+p)^2}]=0 $$

$$\delta_{Z_{\sigma}}=-N(ig)^2\int \frac{d^{d}k}{(2\pi)^d}\frac{i\not{k}}{k^2} \frac{i(\not{k}+\not{p})}{(k+p)^2} =-Ng^2 \int \frac{d^{d}k}{(2\pi)^d}\frac{1}{(k+p)^2} =-Ng^2\frac{i}{4\pi\epsilon}+finite$$

$$\delta_{g}=(ig)^3 \int \frac{d^{d}k}{(2\pi)^d} Tr[\frac{i(\not{k}+\not{p_1})}{(k+p_1)^2} \frac{i(\not{k}+\not{p_2})}{(k+p_2)^2}] = ig^3 \int \frac{d^{d}k}{(2\pi)^d}\frac{-2k^2}{(k+p_1)^2 (k+p_2)^2}+...=-2ig^3\frac{i}{4\pi\epsilon} $$
In the Peskin & Schroeder textbook, the ##\beta## function for the Gross-Neveu model is discussed in problem 12.2. After computing it, I have tried checking my results with some solutions found online. My problem is that they all disagree among each other (something quite recurrent for this book actually). I have basically followed the original paper from Gross and Neveu:

- We start from the Lagrangian $$\mathcal{L} = \bar{\Psi}_{i}(i\not{\partial} )\Psi_{i}-g\sigma \bar{\Psi}_i\Psi_i-\frac{1}{2}\sigma^2.$$
- We compute the field strength renormalisation

For ##\Psi: ## $$\delta_{Z_{\Psi}}=(ig)^2\int \frac{d^{d}k}{(2\pi)^d} Tr[\frac{i\not{k}}{k^2}\frac{i}{(k+p)^2}]=0 $$

For ##\sigma:## $$\delta_{Z_{\sigma}}=-N(ig)^2\int \frac{d^{d}k}{(2\pi)^d}\frac{i\not{k}}{k^2} \frac{i(\not{k}+\not{p})}{(k+p)^2} =-Ng^2 \int \frac{d^{d}k}{(2\pi)^d}\frac{1}{(k+p)^2} =-Ng^2\frac{i}{4\pi\epsilon}+finite$$

- We compute the coupling renormalisation (though in the Gross-Neveu original paper, the authors argue the vertex need not be renormalised. That is a point I don't get)

$$\delta_{g}=(ig)^3 \int \frac{d^{d}k}{(2\pi)^d} Tr[\frac{i(\not{k}+\not{p_1})}{(k+p_1)^2} \frac{i(\not{k}+\not{p_2})}{(k+p_2)^2}] = ig^3 \int \frac{d^{d}k}{(2\pi)^d}\frac{-2k^2}{(k+p_1)^2 (k+p_2)^2}+...=-2ig^3\frac{i}{4\pi\epsilon} $$

- We use relation (12.53)

$$\beta (g) = M\frac{\partial}{\partial M}\left(-\delta_g +\frac{1}{2}g\sum_i \delta_{Z_i} \right)=-\frac{2g^3}{4\pi}+g\frac{-Ng^2}{4\pi}=-\frac{g^3}{4\pi}(N+2)$$

It is asymptotically free, but I do fully trust my result. Any comment welcome!
 
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Can you provide the references you found for this calculation?

Thanks!
 
You should find that the beta function vanishes for ##N = 1## (where ##N## is the number of two-component Dirac fermions, as in P&S's notation). This is because of a well-known equivalence between that model and that of a free massless boson. So I'm biased towards the Xianyu solutions being correct, unless somehow Murayama's definition of ##N## is given by twice the definition in P&S (which some authors like to do, since that definition of ##N## is the total number of components*flavors).

Also, after converting the difference in notations, Zinn-Justin's textbook also gives the same beta function as Xianyu's solution (he uses a different regularization scheme, but it is well-known that this doesn't change the one-loop contribution to the beta function).

I will take a look at your computations when I have time, but in the meantime I would say Xianyu's solutions are likely trustworthy.
 
Thanks King Vitamin, I will take a look in that textbook.
Actually, there is a mistake in my first post, where I used (ig) instead of (-ig) for the coupling, and this changes the final result to (N-2) instead of (N+2). But I still have to find out how to edit my post...
 

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