122699564
Optimized Perturbation Theory
Conventional perturbation theory gives different results in different renormalization schemes, a problem which is especially serious in quantum chromodynamics (QCD). I propose a theoretical resolution of this ambiguity which uses the full renormalization-group invariance of the theory. The idea is that, in any kind of approximation scheme which does not respect the known invariances of the exact result, the "optimum" approximant is the one that is "most invariant," i.e., least sensitive to variations in the unphysical parameters. I discuss this principle in several examples, including the Halliday-Suranyi expansion for the anharmonic oscillator. Turning to massless field theories, I identify the unphysical variables which label a particular renormalization scheme as the renormalization point $\ensuremath{\mu}$, and the $\ensuremath{\beta}$-function coefficients. I describe how perturbative approximations depend on these unphysical variables, and show how to find the stationary point which represents the "optimum" result. Certain renormalization-scheme invariants, in one-to-one correspondence with the perturbation-series coefficients, arise naturally in the analysis. An application to the $e$,$\ensuremath{\mu}$ magnetic moments in QED provides a partial test of these ideas, with encouraging results. I suggest possible further theoretical developments, and advocate the method as a sound basis for quantitative QCD phenomenology.
119264999
Optimization of QCD perturbation theory: Results for Re+e− at fourth order
Abstract Physical quantities in QCD are independent of renormalization scheme (RS), but that exact invariance is spoiled by truncations of the perturbation series. “Optimization” corresponds to making the perturbative approximant, at any given order, locally invariant under small RS changes. A solution of the resulting optimization equations is presented. It allows an efficient algorithm for finding the optimized result. Example results for R e + e − = 3 ∑ q i 2 ( 1 + R ) to fourth order (NNNLO) are given that show nice convergence, even down to arbitrarily low energies. The Q = 0 “freezing” behavior, R = 0.3 ± 0.3 , found at third order is confirmed and made more precise; R = 0.2 ± 0.1 . Low-energy results in the MS ¯ scheme, by contrast, show the typical pathologies of a non-convergent asymptotic series.
119880793
Optimized perturbation theory in the Gross-Neveu model
121312073
Gluon enhancements in charmed-meson decays
We address tests of nonspectator diagrams in charmed-meson decays. In particular, we explore the consequences of a model in which such diagrams are enhanced by the emission of a single gluon. For a lifetime ratio tau(D/sup +/)/tau(D/sup 0/)=5, we predict (i) tau(F/sup +/)/tau(D/sup +/) approx. = 0.6, (ii) an enhanced ..delta..S=0 rate for D/sup +/, (iii) a substantial multipion branching fraction for the F/sup +/, (iv) an F/sup +/ ..-->.. tau/sup +/..nu.. branching fraction of order 10 --20%, and (v) restrictive bounds on the D/sup 0/ ..-->.. K-bar/sup 0/..pi../sup 0/ mode.
117188910
The renormalization‐scheme‐dependence problem and its solution
I explain, in ‘‘uncompromising’’ terms, the solution to the renormalization‐scheme‐dependence problem.
119042764
Resolution of the lambda phi**4 puzzle and a 2-TeV Higgs boson
We argue that massless (lambda Phi^4)_4 is "trivial" without being entirely trivial. It has a non-trivial effective potential which leads to spontaneous symmetry breaking, but the particle excitations above the broken vacuum are non-interacting. The key to this picture is the realization that the constant background field (the mode with zero 4-momentum) renormalizes differently from the fluctuation field (the finite-momentum modes). This picture reconciles rigorous results and lattice calculations with one-loop and Gaussian-approximation analyses. Because of "triviality", these latter two methods should be effectively exact. Indeed, they yield the same renormalized effective potential and the same relation m_h^2 = 8 pi^2 v^2 between the particle mass and the physical vacuum expectation value. This relation predicts a Higgs mass m_h about 2 TeV in the standard model. The non-interacting nature of the scalar sector implies, by the equivalence theorem, that Higgs and gauge bosons interact only weakly, through their gauge and Yukawa couplings.
16386160
Extension of the continuum time-dependent Hartree-Fock method to proton states.
This paper deals with the solution of the spherically symmetric time-dependent Hartree-Fock approximation applied to nuclear giant monopole resonances in the small amplitude regime. The problem is spatially unbounded as the resonance state is in the continuum. The practical requirement to perform the calculation in a finite-sized spatial region yields an artificial boundary, which is not present physically. The question of how to ensure the boundary does not interfere with the internal solution, while keeping the overall calculation time low is studied. Here we propose an absorbing boundary condition scheme to handle the conflict. The derivation, via a Laplace transform method, and implementation is described. An inverse Laplace transform required by the absorbing boundaries is calculated using a method of nonlinear least squares. The accuracy and efficiency of the scheme is tested and results presented to support the case that they are an effective way of handling the artificial boundary.
5450319
GIANT RESONANCES FROM TDHF
A method of calculating giant resonance strength functions using Time-Dependent Hartree-Fock techniques is described. An application to isoscalar giant monopole resonances in spherical nuclei is made, thus allowing a comparison between independent 1-, 2- and 3-Dimensional computer codes.
16956676
Continuum time-dependent Hartree-Fock method for giant resonances in spherical nuclei
This paper deals with the solution of the spherically symmetric time-dependent Hartree-Fock approximation applied in the case of nuclear giant monopole resonances in the small and large amplitude regimes. The problem is spatially unbounded as the resonance state is in the continuum. The practical requirement to perform the calculation in a finite-sized spatial region results in a difficulty with the spatial boundary conditions. Here we propose an absorbing boundary condition scheme to handle the conflict. The derivation, via a Laplace transform method, and implementation is described. The accuracy and efficiency of the scheme is tested and the results presented to support the case that they are a effective way of handling the artificial boundary. © 2013 American Physical Society.
123614631
Pushing nuclei to the extreme
The ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus reportedly said that "atoms come together in different order and position, like the letters which, though they are few, produce innumerable words". Much the same could be said of the way that neutrons and protons form atomic nuclei. The nucleus is at the heart of every atom and makes up essentially all of its mass. Yet there is still a surprising amount we do not know about the behaviour of nuclei.
14447155
Charge radius isotope shift across the N=126 shell gap.
We revisit the problem of the kink in the charge radius shift of neutron-rich even isotopes near the N=126 shell closure. We show that the ability of a Skyrme force to reproduce the isotope shift is determined by the occupation of the neutron 1i(11/2) orbital beyond N=126 and the corresponding change it causes to deeply-bound protons orbitals with a principal quantum number of 1. Given the observed position of the single-particle energies, one must either ensure occupation is allowed through correlations, or not demand that the single-particle energies agree with experimental values at the mean-field level.