Exact $T\bar{T}$-Like Flows in Nonlinear Electrodynamics

Abstract

We derive an exact nonperturbative $T\bar T$-like flow for the class of one-scale, self-dual nonlinear electrodynamics theories admitting a Courant--Hilbert representation. The flow has a universal parametric form in terms of the defining Courant--Hilbert function and, on any physical branch where the relevant invariant map is invertible, becomes an autonomous function of the two quadratic stress-tensor invariants, $\partial_λ\mathcal L=X\,\mathcal F(Y/X)$. The function $\mathcal F$ is model dependent, and global autonomy is assumed when the invariant map is one-to-one. Born--Infeld theory yields a quadratic stress-tensor flow, whereas the causal Russo--Townsend logarithmic model gives an exact nonlinear expression involving the Lambert $W$ function whose weak-field expansion reproduces the known perturbative result. We also establish the equivalence with the Russo--Townsend auxiliary-field formulation. These results provide an exact construction of autonomous irrelevant flows for a broad, explicitly specified class of self-dual nonlinear electrodynamics theories.