PHYSICAL REVIEW D 97, 085008 (2018)
More asymptotic safety guaranteed
† Andrew D. Bond* and Daniel F. Litim Department of Physics and Astronomy, U Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QH, United Kingdom
(Received 2 February 2018; published 10 April 2018)
We study interacting fixed points and phase diagrams of simple and semisimple quantum field theories in four dimensions involving non-Abelian gauge fields, fermions and scalars in the Veneziano limit. Particular emphasis is put on new phenomena which arise due to the semisimple nature of the theory. Using matter field multiplicities as free parameters, we find a large variety of interacting conformal fixed points with stable vacua and crossovers inbetween. Highlights include semisimple gauge theories with exact asymptotic safety, theories with one or several interacting fixed points in the IR, theories where one of the gauge sectors is both UV free and IR free, and theories with weakly interacting fixed points in the UV and the IR limits. The phase diagrams for various simple and semisimple settings are also given. Further aspects such as perturbativity beyond the Veneziano limit, conformal windows, and implications for model building are discussed.
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevD.97.085008
I. INTRODUCTION An important new development in the understanding of Asymptotic freedom is a key feature of non-Abelian asymptotic safety has been initiated in [32] where it was gauge theories [1,2]. It predicts that interactions weaken shown that certain four-dimensional quantum field theories with growing energy due to quantum effects, thereby involving SUðNÞ gluons, quarks, and scalars can develop reaching a free ultraviolet (UV) fixed point under the weakly coupled UV fixed points. Results have been renormalization group. Asymptotic safety, on the other extended beyond classically marginal interactions [33]. hand, stipulates that running couplings may very well Structural insights into the renormalization of general asymptote into an interacting UV fixed point at highest gauge theories have led to necessary and sufficient con- energies [3,4]. The most striking difference between ditions for asymptotic safety, alongside strict no go asymptotically free and asymptotically safe theories relates theorems [34,35]. Asymptotic safety invariably arises as to residual interactions in the UV. Canonical power count- a quantum critical phenomenon through cancellations at loop level for which all three types of elementary degrees ing is modified, whence establishing asymptotic safety in a — — reliable manner becomes a challenging task [5]. of freedom scalars, fermions, and gauge fields are Rigorous results for asymptotic safety at weak coupling required. Findings have also been extended to cover have been known since long for models including either supersymmetry [36] and UV conformal windows [37]. scalars, fermions, gauge fields or gravitons, and away Throughout, it is found that suitable Yukawa interactions from their respective critical dimensionality [4,6–16].In are pivotal [34,35]. In this paper, we are interested in fixed points of these toy models asymptotic safety arises through the semisimple gauge theories. Our primary motivation is cancellation of tree level and leading order quantum the semisimple nature of the standard model, and the terms. Progress has also been made to substantiate the prospect for asymptotically safe extensions thereof [38]. asymptotic safety conjecture beyond weak coupling [5]. We are particularly interested in semisimple theories where This is of particular relevance for quantum gravity interacting fixed points and asymptotic safety can be where good evidence has arisen in a variety of different established rigorously [34]. More generally, we also wish settings [17–31]. to understand how low- and high-energy fixed points are generated dynamically, what their features are, and whether *[email protected] novel phenomena arise owing to the semisimple nature of † [email protected] the underlying gauge symmetry. Understanding the stabil- ity of a Higgs-like ground state at interacting fixed points Published by the American Physical Society under the terms of is also of interest in view of the “near-criticality” of the the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license. Further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to standard model vacuum [39,40]. the author(s) and the published article’s title, journal citation, We investigate these questions for quantum field theories 3 and DOI. Funded by SCOAP . with SUðNCÞ × SUðNcÞ local gauge symmetry coupled to
2470-0010=2018=97(8)=085008(35) 085008-1 Published by the American Physical Society ANDREW D. BOND and DANIEL F. LITIM PHYS. REV. D 97, 085008 (2018) massless fermionic and singlet scalar matter. Our models A. Fixed points in perturbation theory alsohaveaglobalUðNFÞL × UðNFÞR × UðNf ÞL × UðNfÞR We are interested in the renormalization of general flavor symmetry, and are characterized by up to nine gauge theories coupled to matter fields, with or without independent couplings. Matter field multiplicities serve as Yukawa couplings. The running of the gauge couplings free parameters. We obtain rigorous results from the leading α 2 4π 2 μ i ¼ gi =ð Þ with the renormalization group scale is orders in perturbation theory by adopting a Veneziano limit. determined by the beta functions of the theory. Expanding We then provide a comprehensive classification of quantum them perturbatively up to two loop we have field theories according to their UV and IR limits, their fixed points, and eigenvalue spectra. Amongst these, we find 2 4 μ∂μα ≡β ¼ α ð−B þC α −2Y4 ÞþOðα Þ; ð1Þ semisimple gauge theories with exact asymptotic safety in i i i i ij j ;i the UV. We also find a large variety of theories with where a sum over gauge group factors j is implied. The crossover- and low-energy fixed points. Further novelties one- and two-loop gauge contributions B and C and the include theories with inequivalent yet fully attractive IR i ij two-loop Yukawa contributions Y4 are known for general conformal fixed points, theories with weakly interacting ;i gauge theories, see [34,41–44] for explicit expressions. fixed points in both the UVand the IR, and massless theories While B and C may take either sign, depending on the with a nontrivial gauge sector which is UV free and IR free. i ii matter content, the Yukawa contribution Y4;i and the off- We illustrate our results by providing general phase diagrams ≠ for simple and semisimple gauge theories with and without diagonal gauge contributions Cij (i j) are strictly positive Yukawa interactions. in any quantum field theory. Scalar couplings do not play The paper is organized as follows. General aspects of any role at this order in perturbation theory. The effect of weakly interacting fixed points in 4d gauge theories are Yukawa couplings is incorporated by projecting the gauge β 0 laid out in Sec. II, together with first results and expressions beta functions (1) onto the Yukawa nullclines ð Y ¼ Þ, for universal exponents. In Sec. III we introduce concrete leading to explicit expressions for Y4;i in terms of the families of semisimple gauge theories coupled to elemen- gauge couplings gj. Moreover, for many theories the tary singlet “mesons” and suitably charged massless Yukawa contribution along nullclines can be written as α ≥ 0 fermions. Perturbative RG equations for all gauge, Y4;i ¼ Dij j with Dij [34]. We can then go one Yukawa and scalar couplings and masses in a Veneziano step further and express the net effect of Yukawa couplings → 0 limit are provided to the leading non-trivial orders in as a shift of the two loop gauge contribution, Cij Cij ¼ perturbation theory. Section IV presents our results for Cij − 2Dij ≤ Cij. Notice that the shift will always be by all interacting perturbative fixed points and their universal some negative amount provided at least one of the Yukawa scaling exponents. Particular attention is paid to new effects couplings is nonvanishing. It leads to the reduced gauge which arise due to the semisimple nature of the models. beta functions Section V provides the corresponding fixed points in the scalar sector. It also establishes stability of the quantum β α2 − 0 α α4 i ¼ i ð Bi þ Cij jÞþOð Þ: ð2Þ vacuum whenever a physical fixed point arises in the gauge sector. Using field multiplicities as free parameters, Sec. VI Fixed points solutions of (2) are either free or interacting provides a complete classification of distinct models with and α ¼ 0 for some or all gauge factors is always a self- asymptotic freedom or asymptotic safety in the UV, or consistent solution. Consequently, interacting fixed points without UV completions, together with their scaling in the are solutions to deep IR. In Sec. VII, the generic phase diagrams for simple and semisimple gauge theories with and without Yukawas 0 α α 0 Bi ¼ Cij j ; subject to i > ; ð3Þ are discussed. The phase diagrams, UV—IR transitions, and aspects of IR conformality are analysed in more where only those rows and columns are retained where depth for sample theories with asymptotic freedom and gauge couplings are interacting. asymptotic safety. Further reaching topics such as exact Next we discuss the role of Yukawa couplings for the perturbativity, extensions beyond the Veneziano limit, and fixed point structure. In the absence of Yukawa couplings, conformal windows are discussed in Sec. VIII. Section IX 0 the two-loop coefficients remain unshifted Cij ¼ Cij.An closes with a brief summary. immediate consequence of this is that any interacting fixed point must necessarily be IR. The reason is as follows: for II. FIXED POINTS OF GAUGE THEORIES an interacting fixed point to be UV, asymptotic freedom In this section, we discuss general aspects of interacting cannot be maintained for all gauge factors, meaning that fixed points in semisimple gauge theories which are weakly some Bi < 0. However, as has been established in [34], coupled to matter, with or without Yukawa interactions, Bi ≤ 0 necessarily entails Cij ≥ 0 in any 4d quantum gauge following [34,35]. We also introduce some notation and theory. If the left-hand side of (3) is negative, if only for a α conventions. single row, positivity of Cij requires that some j must take
085008-2 MORE ASYMPTOTIC SAFETY GUARANTEED PHYS. REV. D 97, 085008 (2018) negative values for a fixed point solution to arise. This, TABLE I. Conventions to denote the basic fixed points (Gaus- however, is unphysical [45] and we are left with Bi > 0 for sian, Banks-Zaks, or gauge-Yukawa) of simple gauge theories each i, implying that asymptotic freedom remains intact in weakly coupled to matter. all gauge sectors. Besides the Gaussian, the theory may Fixed point α α have weakly interacting infrared Banks-Zaks fixed points in gauge Yukawa each gauge sector, as well as products thereof, which arise Gauss G ¼ 0 ¼ 0 Banks-Zaks BZ ≠ 0 ¼ 0 as solutions to (3) with the unshifted coefficients. ≠ 0 ≠ 0 In the presence of Yukawa couplings, the coefficients Gauge-Yukawa GY 0 Cij can in general take either sign. This has far reaching implications. First, the theory can additionally display interactions take Gaussian values, the numbers C and G are gauge-Yukawa fixed points where both the gauge and i i the two-loop coefficients which arise owing to the gauge the Yukawa couplings take interacting values. Most impor- loops and owing to the mixing between gauge groups, tantly, solutions to (3) are then no longer limited to theories meaning C ≡ C (no sum), and G1 ≡ C12, G2 ≡C12, with asymptotic freedom. Instead, interacting fixed points i ii see (1). In this case, we also have that C , G ≥ 0 as soon can be infrared, ultraviolet, or of the crossover type. In i i as B < 0.1 For theories where Yukawa couplings take general we may expect gauge-Yukawa fixed points for each i C G independent Yukawa nullcline. In summary, perturbative interacting fixed points the numbers i and i receive C ≡ C0 fixed points are either (i) free and given by the Gaussian, or corrections due to the Yukawas, i ii (no sum), and ≡ 0 ≡ 0 (ii) free in the Yukawa but interacting in the gauge sector G1 C12, G2 C12,see(2). Most notably, strict positivity (Banks-Zaks fixed points), or (iii) simultaneously interact- of Ci and Gi is then no longer guaranteed [34]. ing in the gauge and the Yukawa sector (gauge-Yukawa In either case, the fixed points of the combined system fixed points), or (iv) combinations and products of (i), (ii), are determined by the vanishing of (4). For a general and (iii). Banks-Zaks fixed points are always IR, while the semisimple gauge theory with two gauge factors, one finds Gaussian and gauge-Yukawa fixed points can be either UV four different types of fixed points. The Gaussian fixed or IR. Depending on the details of the theory and its point Yukawa structure, either the Gaussian or one of the α α 0 0 interacting gauge-Yukawa fixed points will arise as the ð 1; 2Þ¼ð ; Þð5Þ “ultimate” UV fixed point of the theory and may serve to define the theory fundamentally [35]. always exists (see Table I for our conventions). It is the UV fixed point of the theory as long as the one-loop The effect of scalar quartic self-couplings on the fixed 0 point is strictly subleading in terms of the values of the coefficients obey Bi > . The theory may also develop fixed points, as they do not affect the running of gauge partially interacting fixed points, couplings at this order of perturbation theory. However, B2 as to have a true fixed point we must acquire one in all ðα1; α2Þ¼ 0; ; ð6Þ couplings, they provide additional constraints on the C2 physicality of candidate gauge-Yukawa fixed points, as B1 we additionally require that the quartic couplings take fixed ðα1; α2Þ¼ ; 0 : ð7Þ points which are both real-valued, and lead to a bounded C1 potential which leads to a stable vacuum state. Here, one of the gauge coupling is taking Gaussian values whereas the other one is interacting. The interacting fixed B. Gauge couplings point is of the Banks-Zaks type [46,47], provided Yukawa Let us now consider a semisimple gauge-Yukawa theory interactions are absent. This then also implies that the with non-Abelian gauge fields under the semisimple gauge coupling is asymptotically free. Alternatively, the gauge group G1 ⊗ G2 coupled to fermions and scalars. interacting fixed point can be of the gauge-Yukawa type, We have two non-Abelian gauge couplings α1 and α2, provided that Yukawa couplings take an interacting fixed which are related to the fundamental gauge couplings point themselves. In this case, and depending on the details α 2 4π 2 via i ¼ gi =ð Þ . The running of gauge couplings within of the Yukawa sector, the fixed point can be either IR or perturbation theory is given by UV. Finally, we also observe fully interacting fixed points β − α2 α3 α2α − − 1 ¼ B1 1 þ C1 1 þ G1 1 2; C2B1 B2G1 C1B2 B1G2 ðα1; α2Þ¼ ; : ð8Þ 2 3 2 C1C2 − G1G2 C1C2 − G1G2 β2 ¼ −B2α2 þ C2α2 þ G2α2α1: ð4Þ
1 Here, Bi are the well known one-loop coefficients. In General formal expressions of loop coefficients in the con- theories without Yukawa interactions, or where Yukawa ventions used here are given in [34].
085008-3 ANDREW D. BOND and DANIEL F. LITIM PHYS. REV. D 97, 085008 (2018)
As such, fully interacting fixed points (8) can be either reduces to (4) whereby the two-loop coefficients Ci of the UV or IR, depending on the specific field content of the gauge beta functions are shifted according to theory. In all cases we will additionally require that the F1 couplings obey α ≠ 0∶ → 0 − ≤ Y C1 C1 ¼ C1 D1 C1; E1 α1 ≥ 0; α2 ≥ 0: ð9Þ 0 F2 αy ≠ 0∶ C2 → C2 ¼ C2 − D2 ≤ C2: ð12Þ to ensure they reside in the physical regime of the E2 theory [45]. Notice also that in this model the values for the mixing terms Gi do not depend on whether the corresponding C. Yukawa couplings Yukawa couplings vanish, or not, due to the fact that no In order to proceed, we must specify the Yukawa sector. fermions charged under both groups are involved in We assume three types of nontrivially charged fermions Yukawa interactions. Owing to the fixed point structure with charges under G1 and G2. Some or all of the fermions of the Yukawa sector (11), the formal fixed points (5), (6), which are only charged under G1 (G2) also couple to scalar (7), and (8) have the multiplicity 1,2,2, and 4, respectively. fields via Yukawa couplings αY (αy), respectively. The In total, we end up with nine qualitatively different fixed scalars may or may not be charged under the gauge points FP1–FP9, summarized in Table III:FP1 denotes the symmetries. They will have quartic self couplings which unique Gaussian fixed point. FP2 and FP3 correspond to a play no primary role for the fixed point analysis at weak Banks-Zaks fixed point in one of the gauge couplings, and coupling [34]. Within perturbation theory, the beta func- a Gaussian in the other. They can therefore be interpreted tions for the gauge and Yukawa couplings are of the form effectively as a “product” of a Banks-Zaks with a Gaussian fixed point. Similarly, at FP4 and FP5, one of the Yukawa 2 3 2 2 β1 ¼ −B1α1 þ C1α1 − D1α1αY þ G1α1α2; couplings remains interacting, and they can therefore 2 effectively be viewed as the product of a gauge-Yukawa β E1α − F1α α1; Y ¼ Y Y (GY) type fixed point in one gauge coupling with a 2 3 2 2 β2 ¼ −B2α2 þ C2α2 − D2α2αy þ G2α2α1; Gaussian fixed point in the other. The remaining fixed 2 points FP6–FP9 are interacting in both gauge couplings. β ¼ E2α − F2α α2: ð10Þ y y y These fixed points are the only ones which are sensitive to the two-loop mixing coefficients G1 and G2.AtFP6, both The renormalization group (RG) flow is given up to two-loop Yukawa couplings vanish meaning that it is effectively a in the gauge couplings, and up to one-loop in the Yukawa product of two Banks-Zaks type fixed points. At FP7 and couplings. We refer to this as the next-to-leading-order FP8, only one of the Yukawa couplings vanish, implying (NLO) approximation, see Table II for the terminology. We are interested in the fixed points of the theory, defined implicitly via the vanishing of the beta functions for TABLE III. The various types of fixed points in gauge-Yukawa all couplings. The Yukawa couplings can display either a theories with semisimple gauge group G1 ⊗ G2 and (10), (12). Gaussian or an interacting fixed point We also indicate how the nine qualitatively different fixed points can be interpreted as products of the Gaussian (G), Banks-Zaks F1 (BZ) and gauge-Yukawa (GY) fixed points as seen from the α 0 α α Y ¼ ; Y ¼ 1; individual gauge group factors (see main text). E1