What is meant by ``Renormalon ?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concept of "renormalon" in the context of quantum field theory (QFT) and high-energy physics (HEP). Participants explore its significance, types, and related resources for understanding the topic.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks clarification on the term "renormalon" and its significance.
  • Another participant suggests that "renormalon" is often misunderstood and emphasizes that it is a term used in theoretical discussions without full understanding.
  • Resources such as Peskin and Schroeder, as well as various papers on Arxiv, are recommended for further reading on the topic.
  • A participant mentions that there are two types of renormalons: infrared and ultraviolet, which are associated with singularities in the Borel transform.
  • It is noted that QCD renormalons arise from terms in the operator product expansion and can complicate the resummation of series.
  • One participant warns that the topic can become quite technical and may not be suitable for beginners.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the complexity of the concept of renormalons and the need for further resources to understand it. However, there is no consensus on a singular definition or understanding of its significance.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of familiarity with the topic, indicating that assumptions about prior knowledge may affect the discussion. The technical nature of the subject matter may present challenges for those new to QFT.

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What is meant by ``Renormalon"?

Can anybody explain what is meant by ``Renormalon"? What is its significance?
 
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No, the OP actually meant renormalon. As with many things, we name them way before we understand them --- it makes discussions easier to focus. As with all things theoretical HEP related, the first call of reference is in Peskin and Schroeder. That has a brief intro. Otherwise, it's best to rely on Google --- the first couple of results, including the review paper on Arxiv are good resources.

However, if the OP isn't a practising theoretical particle physicist, then I would advise simply forgetting about it. Like I said, it's a name for something we don't really know. It's a thing that pops up when playing the kind of hefty mathematical games that are necessary in HEP.
 


Thanks, genneth. Regarding your comment about my identity, I am trying to understand qft and intend to become a theoretical particle physicist. I will look it up from peskin and schroeder.
 


also the book "Heavy Quark Physics" by Manohar and Wise has a very nice section on it. It's also an excellent book for learning effective field theory in general. One step higher than Peskin-Schroeder.
 


There are two types of renormalons. Infrared and Ultraviolet.

Typically they are associated with various singularities in the Borel transform to improve the convergence of some divergent series.

In QCD, the singularities known as qcd renormalons are those that arise from terms in the Operator product expansion and act to obstruct us from resumming the series. The IR renormalon goes with specific N loop feynmann diagrams whose contribution grows factorially.

It gets pretty technical, not recommended for beginners!
 

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