Expansion at first order in QCD counterterm

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the expansion at first order in the counterterms ##\delta_2## and ##\delta_3## within the context of quantum chromodynamics (QCD). Participants explore the implications of these expansions in relation to loop corrections, counterterms, and the minimal-subtraction scheme, focusing on theoretical aspects of perturbation theory and the behavior of divergences as the limit ##\epsilon \to 0## is approached.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the meaning of the expansion at first order in ##\delta_2## and ##\delta_3##, noting that these quantities are not "small" and that the counterterms blow up as ##\epsilon \to 0##.
  • Another participant explains that the Dyson series is an expansion in the coupling constant ##g##, discussing the evaluation of 2nd-order loop corrections to quark and gluon self-energies and the gluon 3-vertex to derive the counterterms for ##Z_1##, ##Z_2##, and ##Z_3##.
  • This same participant emphasizes the need to find coefficients to ##1/\epsilon## order by order in perturbation theory within the minimal-subtraction scheme, and mentions the importance of addressing subdivergences at higher loop orders.
  • A later reply reiterates the definition of ##Z_1## and clarifies that the expansions of ##1/Z_2## and ##1/Z_3## are at first order in ##\alpha_s##, linking this to the counterterms computed at 1-loop.
  • Another participant expresses understanding of the discussion, affirming that the divergence in ##1/\epsilon## does not matter since the limit ##\epsilon \to 0## is taken at the end.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding regarding the implications of the counterterms and the expansions involved. While some clarify and build upon each other's points, the discussion does not reach a consensus on the interpretation of the expansions or the significance of the divergences.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the assumptions underlying the expansions and the treatment of divergences, particularly in relation to the minimal-subtraction scheme and the behavior of counterterms as the limit is approached.

Siupa
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What is the meaning of the expansion at first order in ##\delta_2## and ##\delta_3## at the second step in the last line? These quantities are not "small" - on the contrary, the entire point is to then take the ##\epsilon \to 0## limit and the counterterms blow up
 
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I can't read light gray on a less light gray background. Can you use LaTex and maybe post your source?
 
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The Dyson series is an expansion in the coupling constant ##g##. Obviously you are evaluating the quoted 2nd-order loop corrections to the quark and gluon self-energies as well as the gluon 3-vertex to get the counter terms to evaluate ##Z_1##, ##Z_2##, and ##Z_3##, from which ##Z_g## follows through a Slavnov-Taylor identity (which maybe is Eq. (75), which you didn't quote). Of course since you have the said ##Z##-factors only to order ##g^2## (or order ##\alpha_s=g^2/(4 \pi)##), you can determine only the counterterm contributing to ##Z_g## to this order, and thus you have to expand the expression for it also up to order ##\alpha_s##.

In the here obviously applied minimal-subtraction scheme you need to find the coefficients to ##1/\epsilon## order by order perturbation theory. This determines the counter terms order by order. At higher loop order you have to take care of the subdivergences by using the corresponding counter terms of subdiagrams.
 
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Vanadium 50 said:
I can't read light gray on a less light gray background. Can you use LaTex and maybe post your source?
If you open the imgur link it should be in high res. Anyways the reference is chapter 3, end of subchapter 3.3 of this pdf
 
vanhees71 said:
The Dyson series is an expansion in the coupling constant ##g##. Obviously you are evaluating the quoted 2nd-order loop corrections to the quark and gluon self-energies as well as the gluon 3-vertex to get the counter terms to evaluate ##Z_1##, ##Z_2##, and ##Z_3##, from which ##Z_g## follows through a Slavnov-Taylor identity (which maybe is Eq. (75), which you didn't quote). Of course since you have the said ##Z##-factors only to order ##g^2## (or order ##\alpha_s=g^2/(4 \pi)##), you can determine only the counterterm contributing to ##Z_g## to this order, and thus you have to expand the expression for it also up to order ##\alpha_s##.

In the here obviously applied minimal-subtraction scheme you need to find the coefficients to ##1/\epsilon## order by order perturbation theory. This determines the counter terms order by order. At higher loop order you have to take care of the subdivergences by using the corresponding counter terms of subdiagrams.
Eq. (75) is just the definition of ##Z_1 = Z_g Z_2 Z_3^{\frac{1}{2}}##. Anyways thank you I understand now, the expansions of ##1/Z_2## , ##1/Z_3## are obviously at first order in ##\alpha_s##, which in turn means first order in the counterterms since they are proportional to ##\alpha_s## because they were computed at 1-loop. I guess the divergence in ##1/\epsilon## doesn't matter since we only take the limit ##\epsilon \to 0## in the end?
 
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Right! That's the idea!
 
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