Higher covariant derivative regulators and non-multiplicative renormalization

The renormalization algorithm based on regularization methods with two regulators is analyzed by means of explicit computations. We show in particular that regularization by higher covariant derivative terms can be complemented with dimensional regularization to obtain a consistent renormalized 4-dimensional Yang-Mills theory at the one-loop level. This shows that hybrid regularization methods can be applied not only to finite theories, like \eg\ Chern-Simons, but also to divergent theories.Comment: 12 pages, phyzzx, no figure

BRS symmetry versus supersymmetry in Yang-Mills-Chern-Simons theory

We prove that three-dimensional $N=1$ supersymmetric Yang-Mills-Chern-Simons theory is finite to all loop orders. In general this leaves open the possibility that different regularization methods lead to different finite effective actions. We show that in this model dimensional regularization and regularization by dimensional reduction yield the same effective action. Consequently, the superfield approach preserves BRS invariance for this model.Comment: 27 pages, 2 figures, latex2e, uses epsfi

Higher covariant derivative Pauli-Villars regularization does not lead to a consistent QCD

We compute the beta function at one loop for Yang-Mills theory using as regulator the combination of higher covariant derivatives and Pauli-Villars determinants proposed by Faddeev and Slavnov. This regularization prescription has the appealing feature that it is manifestly gauge invariant and essentially four-dimensional. It happens however that the one-loop coefficient in the beta function that it yields is not $-11/3,$ as it should be, but $-23/6.$ The difference is due to unphysical logarithmic radiative corrections generated by the Pauli-Villars determinants on which the regularization method is based. This no-go result discards the prescription as a viable gauge invariant regularization, thus solving a long-standing open question in the literature. We also observe that the prescription can be modified so as to not generate unphysical logarithmic corrections, but at the expense of losing manifest gauge invariance.Comment: 43 pages, Latex file (uses the macro axodraw.sty, instructions of how to get it and use it included), FTUAM 94/9, NIKHEF-H 94/2

Regularization and Renormalization of Chern-Simons Theory

We analyze some features of the perturbative quantization of Chern-Simons theory (CST) in the Landau gauge. In this gauge the theory is known to be perturbatively finite. We consider the renormalization scheme in which the renormalized parameter $k$ equals the bare or classical one and show that it constitutes a natural parametrization for the quantum theory. The reason is that, although in this renormalization scheme the value of the Green functions depends on the regularization used, comparison among different regularization methods shows that the observables (Wilson loops) are the same function of the shifted monodromy parameter $k+c_v$ for all BRS invariant regulators used so far for CST. We also discuss a particular BRS invariant regularization prescription in which CST is perturbatively defined as the large mass limit of dimensionally regularized topologically massive Yang-Mills theory. With this regularization prescription the radiative corrections induced by two-loop contributions do not entail observable consequences since they can be reabsorbed by a finite rescaling of the fields only. This very mechanism is conjectured to take place at higher perturbative orders. Talk presented by G.G. at the NATO AWR on ``Low dimensional Topology and Quantum Field Theory'', 6-13 September 1992, Cambridge (UK).Comment: 10 pages, Phyzzx, LPTHE 92-4

Non-relativistic pair annihilation of nearly mass degenerate neutralinos and charginos II. P-wave and next-to-next-to-leading order S-wave coefficients

This paper is a continuation of an earlier work (arXiv:1210.7928) which computed analytically the tree-level annihilation rates of a collection of non-relativistic neutralino and chargino two-particle states in the general MSSM. Here we extend the results by providing the next-to-next-to-leading order corrections to the rates in the non-relativistic expansion in momenta and mass differences, which include leading P-wave effects, in analytic form. The results are a necessary input for the calculation of the Sommerfeld-enhanced dark matter annihilation rates including short-distance corrections at next-to-next-to-leading order in the non-relativistic expansion in the general MSSM with neutralino LSP.Comment: LaTeX, 16 pages (+ 36 pages Appendix), 4 figures; v2 - new appendix with analytic results for the P-wave and rest of v^2 corrections to annihilation rates in the wino limit added, matches published versio

New contributions to heavy quark sum rules

We analyse new contributions to the theoretical input in heavy quark sum rules and we show that the general theory of singularities of perturbation theory amplitudes yields the method to handle these specific features. In particular we study the inclusion of heavy quark radiation by light quarks at O(alpha_s^2) and non-symmetric correlators at O(alpha_s^3). Closely related, we also propose a solution to the construction of moments of the spectral densities at O(alpha_s^3) where the presence of massless contributions invalidates the standard approach. We circumvent this problem through a new definition of the moments, providing an infrared safe and consistent procedure.Comment: 15 pages, 3 figures. Version accepted for publication in The European Journal of Physics C; several new comments and references added, conclusions unchange