Can there be non-trivial IR fixed points in asymptotically free theories?

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SUMMARY

Asymptotically free theories are fundamentally based on ultraviolet (UV) fixed points rather than infrared (IR) fixed points, as the renormalization group (RG) flow indicates that IR fixed points lead to trivial theories at low energies. Kerson Huang's Quantum Field Theory (QFT) book illustrates that Quantum Electrodynamics (QED) lacks a UV fixed point, confirming its non-asymptotic freedom. Huang also suggests the presence of an IR fixed point, which implies triviality, raising the question of whether all IR fixed points must reside at the origin of coupling constant space. The discussion references non-rigorous concepts from arXiv papers 1211.4151 and 1410.0026.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of renormalization group (RG) flow
  • Familiarity with fixed points in quantum field theory
  • Knowledge of asymptotic freedom and triviality in quantum theories
  • Basic comprehension of Quantum Electrodynamics (QED)
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of UV fixed points in quantum field theories
  • Study the concept of triviality in relation to IR fixed points
  • Examine Kerson Huang's QFT book for deeper insights into QED
  • Explore the arXiv papers 1211.4151 and 1410.0026 for advanced discussions on fixed points
USEFUL FOR

The discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, quantum field theorists, and graduate students studying the properties of asymptotically free theories and fixed point analysis in quantum field theory.

geoduck
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I understand that asymptotically free theories must be based on UV fixed points rather than IR ones, because the RG flow goes into rather than out of an IR fixed point, so an asymptotically free theory based on an IR fixed point is trivial at low energies. But at higher energies the coupling will be nonzero/nontrivial, so it seems you can have an asymptotically free theory based on an IR fixed point, but at low energies there's no interaction, so what's the problem with this: I see the statement in books that you can't have an asymptotically free theory with an IR fixed point.

Do all UV fixed points imply asymptotic freedom, and all IR fixed points imply triviality?

I'm reading Kerson Huang's QFT book and he says for QED perturbation theory shows there's no UV fixed point and hence theory is not asymptotically free. That's fine as I get that asymptotically free theories must have UV fixed points, so QED can't be asymptotically free. But he then says perturbation theory suggests there's an IR fixed point, which leads to triviality. Does this mean all IR fixed points have to be at the origin of coupling constant space?
 
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