arXiv subjects
Publications and source records attributed to C. Bagnuls.
This note is intended to emphasize the existence of estimated Feynman integrals in three dimensions for the free energy of the O(1) scalar theory up to five loops which may be useful for other work. We also correct some misprints of the published paper.
We extent the previous determinations of nonasymptotic critical behavior of Phys. Rev B32, 7209 (1985) and B35, 3585 (1987) to accurate expressions of the complete classical-to-critical crossover (in the 3-d field theory) in terms of the temperature-like scaling field (i.e., along the critical isochore) for : 1) the correlation length, the susceptibility and the specific heat in the homogeneous phase for the n-vector model (n=1 to 3) and 2) for the spontaneous magnetization (coexistence curve), the susceptibility and the specific heat in the inhomogeneous phase for the Ising model (n=1). The present calculations include the seventh loop order of Murray and Nickel (1991) and closely account for the up-to-date estimates of universal asymptotic critical quantities (exponents and amplitude combinations) provided by Guida and Zinn-Justin [J. Phys. A31, 8103 (1998)].
We critically review the use of the exact renormalization group equations (ERGE) in the framework of the scalar theory. We lay emphasis on the existence of different versions of the ERGE and on an approximation method to solve it: the derivative expansion. The leading order of this expansion appears as an excellent textbook example to underline the nonperturbative features of the Wilson renormalization group theory. We limit ourselves to the consideration of the scalar field (this is why it is an introductory review) but the reader will find (at the end of the review) a set of references to existing studies on more complex systems.
After a brief presentation of the exact renormalization group equation, we illustrate how the field theoretical (perturbative) approach to critical phenomena takes place in the more general Wilson (nonperturbative) approach. Notions such as the continuum limit and the renormalizability and the presence of singularities in the perturbative series are discussed.
The obtention (up to five or six loop orders) of nonasymptotic critical behavior, above and below Tc, from the field theoretical framework is presented and discussed.
Using the local potential approximation of the exact renormalization group (RG) equation, we show the various domains of values of the parameters of the O(1)-symmetric scalar Hamiltonian. In three dimensions, in addition to the usual critical surface $S_{c}$ (attraction domain of the Wilson-Fisher fixed point), we explicitly show the existence of a first-order phase transition domain $S_{f}$ separated from $S_{c}$ by the tricritical surface $S_{t}$ (attraction domain of the Gaussian fixed point). $S_{f}$ and $S_{c}$ are two distinct domains of repulsion for the Gaussian fixed point, but $S_{f}$ is not the basin of attraction of a fixed point. $S_{f}$ is characterized by an endless renormalized trajectory lying entirely in the domain of negative values of the $ϕ^{4}$-coupling. This renormalized trajectory exists also in four dimensions making the Gaussian fixed point ultra-violet stable (and the $ϕ_{4}^{4}$ renormalized field theory asymptotically free but with a wrong sign of the perfect action). We also show that very retarded classical-to-Ising crossover may exist in three dimensions (in fact below four dimensions). This could be an explanation of the unexpected classical critical behavior observed in some ionic systems.
We indicate that Coulombic systems could correspond to Wilson effective Hamiltonians similar to that of the ordinary (nonionic) fluids but with a negative $ϕ^4$-coefficient. In that case, solving the ``exact'' renormalization group equation in the local potential approximation, we show that close initial Hamiltonians may lead either to a first order transition or to an Ising-like critical behavior, the partition being formed by the tri-critical surface. Hence the theoretical wavering encountered in the literature concerning the nature of the Coulombic criticality may not appear senseless.
We shortly illustrate how the field-theoretic approach to critical phenomena takes place in the more complete Wilson theory of renormalization and qualitatively discuss its domain of validity. By the way, we suggest that the differential renormalization functions (like the beta-function) of the perturbative scalar theory in four dimensions should be Borel summable provided they are calculated within a minimal subtraction scheme.