What is a mass independent renormalization scheme

In summary, the "mass-independent renormalization scheme" refers to a type of regularization method in quantum field theory where the counter-terms used to cancel infinities do not have dimensions of mass. This can include schemes such as dimensional regularization, where the cutoff method is not used. It also means that none of the counter-terms contain the mass of the particle, allowing for the possibility of canceling terms like log(m/\mu) in schemes like MS or MS-bar.
  • #1
RedX
970
3
What is it meant by "mass-independent renormalization scheme"?

Does it mean that the counter-terms that cancel the infinities do not have dimensions of mass? In this case, any regularization scheme not involving the cutoff method, such as dimensional regularization?

Or does it mean that none of the counter-terms contain the mass 'm' of the particle?
So that even in dimensional regularization scheme, when canceling the pole, you could also decide to also cancel a term like log(m/[tex]\mu[/tex]), which would make this mass-dependent?

Is MS (or MS-bar) a mass-independent renormalization scheme?
 
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  • #2
RedX said:
Or does it mean that none of the counter-terms contain the mass 'm' of the particle?
So that even in dimensional regularization scheme, when canceling the pole, you could also decide to also cancel a term like log(m/[tex]\mu[/tex]), which would make this mass-dependent?
Yes.
RedX said:
Is MS (or MS-bar) a mass-independent renormalization scheme?
Yes.
 
  • #3



A mass independent renormalization scheme is a method used in theoretical physics to remove infinities from calculations in quantum field theory. In this scheme, the counter-terms used to cancel out the infinities do not depend on the mass of the particles involved in the calculation. This means that the renormalization procedure is not affected by the mass of the particles, making it a more general and applicable method.

In contrast, a mass-dependent renormalization scheme would involve counter-terms that are explicitly dependent on the mass of the particles, making it less general and potentially more complicated.

The term "mass-independent" does not necessarily mean that the counter-terms do not have dimensions of mass. It simply means that the procedure is not dependent on the specific mass values involved in the calculation.

MS (or MS-bar) is a specific type of mass-independent renormalization scheme, where the renormalization scale is chosen to be independent of the mass of the particles. This allows for a more consistent and universal approach to renormalization, making it a popular choice in theoretical physics.
 

Related to What is a mass independent renormalization scheme

1. What is a mass independent renormalization scheme?

A mass independent renormalization scheme is a mathematical framework used in theoretical physics to remove divergences and inconsistencies in calculations involving particles with different masses. It allows for the comparison of physical quantities at different energy scales, without being affected by the specific masses of the particles involved.

2. Why is a mass independent renormalization scheme important?

Mass independent renormalization schemes are important because they allow for more accurate and meaningful calculations in theoretical physics. By removing the dependence on specific particle masses, researchers can compare results from different experiments and make more precise predictions about the behavior of particles at various energy scales.

3. How is a mass independent renormalization scheme different from other renormalization methods?

The main difference between a mass independent renormalization scheme and other methods is that it does not rely on the specific masses of particles involved in a calculation. Other renormalization methods, such as the minimal subtraction scheme, require input values for particle masses, which can introduce errors and inconsistencies.

4. What are some examples of mass independent renormalization schemes?

Examples of mass independent renormalization schemes include the momentum subtraction scheme (MOM), the momentum space subtraction scheme (MOMS), and the modified minimal subtraction scheme (MOMS'). These schemes have been used in various fields of theoretical physics, including quantum field theory and particle physics.

5. Is the mass independent renormalization scheme widely accepted in the scientific community?

Yes, the mass independent renormalization scheme is widely accepted in the scientific community and has been used in many successful calculations and experiments. However, like any theoretical framework, it is constantly being refined and improved upon as new research and data become available.

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