String correlation functions of the spin-1/2 Heisenberg XXZ chain

We calculate certain string correlation functions, originally introduced as order parameters in integer spin chains, for the spin-1/2 XXZ Heisenberg chain at zero temperature and in the thermodynamic limit. For small distances, we obtain exact results from Bethe Ansatz and exact diagonalization, whereas in the large-distance limit, field-theoretical arguments yield an asymptotic algebraic decay. We also make contact with two-point spin-correlation functions in the asymptotic limit.Comment: 23 pages, 4 figures. An incomplete discussion on the limit to the spin-spin correlation function is corrected on page 1

A Gauge-Gravity Relation in the One-loop Effective Action

We identify an unusual new gauge-gravity relation: the one-loop effective action for a massive spinor in 2n dimensional AdS space is expressed in terms of precisely the same function [a certain multiple gamma function] as the one-loop effective action for a massive charged scalar in 4n dimensions in a maximally symmetric background electromagnetic field [one for which the eigenvalues of F_{\mu\nu} are maximally degenerate, corresponding in 4 dimensions to a self-dual field, equivalently to a field of definite helicity], subject to the identification F^2 \Lambda, where \Lambda is the gravitational curvature. Since these effective actions generate the low energy limit of all one-loop multi-leg graviton or gauge amplitudes, this implies a nontrivial gauge-gravity relation at the non-perturbative level and at the amplitude level.Comment: 6 page

Large-order Perturbation Theory and de Sitter/Anti de Sitter Effective Actions

We analyze the large-order behavior of the perturbative weak-field expansion of the effective Lagrangian density of a massive scalar in de Sitter and anti de Sitter space, and show that this perturbative information is not sufficient to describe the non-perturbative behavior of these theories, in contrast to the analogous situation for the Euler-Heisenberg effective Lagrangian density for charged scalars in constant electric and magnetic background fields. For example, in even dimensional de Sitter space there is particle production, but the effective Lagrangian density is nevertheless real, even though its weak-field expansion is a divergent non-alternating series whose formal imaginary part corresponds to the correct particle production rate. This apparent puzzle is resolved by considering the full non-perturbative structure of the relevant Feynman propagators, and cannot be resolved solely from the perturbative expansion.Comment: 18 page