Equivariant Dimensional Regularization

Abstract

The calculation of loop amplitudes with parity violation or spin effects within dimensional regularization needs a consistent definition of gamma5. Also loop calculations in supersymmetric theories need a consistent definition of gamma5. In this paper we develop a new formalism, which allows us to define consistent regularization schemes. We use Grothendieck's K-functor to construct finite-dimensional vectorspaces of non-integer rank. The rank will play the role of the ``4-2eps'' in conventional dimensional regularization. We then define two regularization schemes, one similar to the 't Hooft--Veltman scheme, the other one as a scheme, where all algebra is performed in four dimensions. Lorentz invariance is maintained in both cases. However the structure of the Clifford algebra cannot be preserved. We show that the HV-like scheme and the four-dimensional scheme correspond to two different deformations of the Clifford algebra. It is the purpose of this paper to advocate the four-dimensional scheme for future calculations, since it is easier to use. As a consistency check we performed explicit one-loop calculations of various triangle anomalies in both schemes and we found agreement with Bardeen's results.