Callan-Symanzik equation and the running coupling.

In summary: It is necessary because the running coupling cannot always be found simply by applying the method given in Bilal's notes.
  • #1
center o bass
560
2
In these notes(at page 71) Bilal put some emphasis on that the running coupling on a certain scale ##\mu## is defined in such a way that the logarithms in the expansions of the vertex function small. Or equivalently it is defined such that running coupling on the scale in question is always a good approximation to the vertex function (and thus also to the amplitude)

$$\Gamma^{(4)}(p_i = \mu) \approx g_\mu.$$

He then defines the ##\beta##-function to be the function which express how the coupling must evolve in order for this to always be the case.

Later one introduces the Callan-Symanzik equation by observing that the bare vertex-function is independent of scale and there the beta function is just defined as the function which one obtains by differentiating the coupling with respect to scale and then multiplying by the scale

$$\beta (g) = \mu \frac{\partial g}{\partial \mu}.$$

It often seems like the Callan-Symanzik is used to find the running coupling, but how do we know that the Callan-Symanzik equations gives us the coupling 'appropriate to the scale ##\mu##'? Is the bare vertex function being independent of the scale ##\mu## somehow equivalent with the statement that that running coupling at the scale ##\mu## is a good approximation to the vertex function?

Why does one need the Callan-Symanzik equation anyway? The running coupling can always be found as long as one has found the vertex function by applying the method shown in Bilals notes.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The Callan-Symanzik equation is used to find the running coupling, since it expresses the dependence of the coupling on scale. The bare vertex function is independent of the scale ##\mu##, so this implies that the running coupling on the scale in question must be a good approximation to the vertex function. This follows from the definition of the beta function, which gives the rate of change of the coupling with respect to the scale. The Callan-Symanzik equation then allows us to determine the exact value of the running coupling at a particular scale.
 

What is the Callan-Symanzik equation?

The Callan-Symanzik equation is a mathematical formula in quantum field theory that describes how the coupling constant (the strength of the interaction between particles) changes with energy or distance scale.

What is the significance of the Callan-Symanzik equation?

The Callan-Symanzik equation is significant because it allows us to study the behavior of quantum field theories at different energy scales. It helps us understand how the strength of interactions changes as we look at particles at different energies or distances.

What does it mean for a coupling to "run"?

In physics, "running" refers to the dependence of a quantity, such as the coupling constant, on the energy scale at which it is measured. In the context of the Callan-Symanzik equation, the coupling "runs" because it changes as we look at particles at different energy scales.

How is the Callan-Symanzik equation used in theoretical physics?

The Callan-Symanzik equation is used to study the behavior of quantum field theories, which are fundamental to our understanding of the universe at a subatomic level. It is an important tool for theoretical physicists in developing and testing theories of particle interactions.

Can the Callan-Symanzik equation be solved exactly?

No, the Callan-Symanzik equation cannot be solved exactly. It is a differential equation that describes the behavior of a complex system, and exact solutions are only possible in very simplified cases. Instead, physicists use approximations and numerical techniques to study the behavior of the coupling constant at different energy scales.

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
856
Replies
0
Views
587
Replies
2
Views
413
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
1
Views
982
Replies
1
Views
769
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
5
Views
864
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
694
Replies
4
Views
2K
Back
Top