What is the significance of scale-invariance in asymptotic safety theories?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the significance of scale-invariance in asymptotic safety theories, particularly in the context of quantum field theories of gravity and matter. Participants explore connections to existing theories and notable figures in the field, as well as implications of scale-invariance at fixed points.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants highlight Percacci's work on asymptotic safety theories, noting his exploration of combined theories with standard matter and the implications of scale-invariance.
  • There is a suggestion that Percacci's findings may have surprising connections to other theoretical frameworks.
  • One participant draws a speculative connection between the discussion and Penrose's crop circles, indicating a potential interdisciplinary link.
  • A later reply points out that Witten does not definitively conclude that QED is not asymptotically safe, suggesting a level of uncertainty in the established views on the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion features multiple competing views, particularly regarding the implications of scale-invariance and the interpretations of various theorists' positions. No consensus is reached on the significance or interpretation of these theories.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific papers and footnotes that contain nuanced positions, indicating that the discussion is dependent on interpretations of these works and the assumptions they entail.

marcus
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Some of us might be interested by what Percacci has to say about AsymSafe theories. He goes beyond simple AS gravity, considers a combined theory with standard matter, the significance of scale-invariance at the fixed points, and (to me) surprising tie-ins with other theory.

http://arxiv.org/abs/1110.6389
A short introduction to asymptotic safety
R. Percacci
(Submitted on 28 Oct 2011)
I discuss the notion of asymptotic safety and possible applications to quantum field theories of gravity and matter.
18 pages. In the proceedings of the conference "Time and matter", Budva, Montenegro, October 2010.
====================

The paper is not merely a brief introductory overview of what many here are already familiar with regarding AS gravity. Percacci has evidently been thinking more about AS.
He also has some curious papers in the bibliography---like this for instance:

http://arxiv.org/abs/0805.1947
On the physical basis of cosmic time
Svend Erik Rugh, Henrik Zinkernagel
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Wow, could be related to Penrose's crop circles!
 
atyy said:
Wow, could be related to Penrose's crop circles!

Exactly :biggrin:

Percacci, who is a sober serious man, said so himself.
 

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