Four loop strong coupling beta function in the Standard Model
Abstract In this letter we present our results for the four loop beta function of the strong coupling in the Standard Model of fundamental interactions. The expression is obtained from gluon self energy diagrams in the background field gauge without application of special infra red rearrangement tricks. We take top Yukawa and self Higgs interactions into account, but neglect electroweak gauge couplings. Ambiguities due to g 5 treatment are discussed and a particular "reading" prescription for odd Dirac traces is advocated.