arXiv subjects

Rainer Sommer

Publications and source records attributed to Rainer Sommer.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2021

Results for $α_s$ from the decoupling strategy

We present analysis details and new results for the strong coupling $α_s(m_Z)$, determined by the decoupling strategy. We measure a massive gradient flow (GF) coupling defined in finite volume with Schrödinger functional (SF) boundary conditions in a theory with $N_\text{f}=3$ degenerate heavy quarks of mass $M$. The massive couplings are matched to effective couplings in pure gauge. Using the running in the pure gauge theory and the perturbative relation of the Lambda parameters, the Lambda parameter of the three flavor theory is obtained by an extrapolation to infinite M. Our final result is compatible both with the FLAG average and with the previous ALPHA result, albeit with a slightly smaller, yet still statistics dominated, error. This constitutes a non-trivial check, as the decoupling strategy is conceptually very different from the 3-flavor QCD step-scaling method, and so are most of its systematic errors. These include the uncertainties of the decoupling and continuum limits, which we discuss in some detail. Furthermore, by relying on decoupling once again, we could estimate the small $O(a)$ and $O(1/M)$ contaminations to the massive GF coupling stemming from the SF boundaries by means of pure gauge simulations.

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arXiv2021

Scale Setting for CLS 2+1 Simulations

We present an update of the scale setting for $N_f=2+1$ flavor QCD using gradient flow scales and pseudo-scalar decay constants. We analyze the latest ensembles with $2+1$ flavors of non-perturbatively improved Wilson fermions generated by CLS for improved precision. Special care is taken to correct for mistuning by measuring directly the mass derivatives of the various observables. We determine $t_0$ with input taken from a combination of leptonic decay rates of the Pion and the Kaon.

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arXiv2021

Precision $B^*Bπ$ coupling from three-flavor lattice QCD

We consider three-flavor QCD and perform a determination of the low-energy coupling $\hat{g}_χ$ of SU(2) Heavy Meson Chiral Perturbation Theory. It is the $B^*Bπ$ coupling in the limit of static heavy and chiral light quarks and has not been determined with precision thus far. The calculation is performed on a large set of the $2+1$ flavor CLS ensembles with pion masses from 420 MeV down to 130 MeV. This allows us to significantly reduce the systematic uncertainty from the chiral extrapolation compared to previous works. Only a weak dependence on the lattice spacing is visible in our results.

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arXiv2019

Asymptotic behavior of cutoff effects in Yang-Mills theory and in Wilson's lattice QCD

Discretization effects of lattice QCD are described by Symanzik's effective theory when the lattice spacing, $a$, is small. Asymptotic freedom predicts that the leading asymptotic behavior is $\sim a^n [\bar g^2(a^{-1})]^{\hatγ_1} \sim a^n \left[\frac{1}{-\log(aΛ)}\right]^{\hatγ_1}$. For spectral quantities, $n=d$ is given in terms of the (lowest) canonical dimension, $d+4$, of the operators in the local effective Lagrangian and $\hatγ_1$ is proportional to the leading eigenvalue of their one-loop anomalous dimension matrix $γ^{(0)}$. We determine $γ^{(0)}$ for Yang-Mills theory ($n=2$) and discuss consequences in general and for perturbatively improved short distance observables. With the help of results from the literature, we also discuss the $n=1$ case of Wilson fermions with perturbative O$(a)$ improvement and the discretization effects specific to the flavor currents. In all cases known so far, the discretization effects are found to disappear faster than the naive $\sim a^n$ and the log-corrections are a rather weak modification -- in contrast to the two-dimensional O(3) sigma model.

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arXiv2019

Non-perturbative renormalization by decoupling

We propose a new strategy for the determination of the QCD coupling. It relies on a coupling computed in QCD with $N_{\rm f} \geq 3$ degenerate heavy quarks at a low energy scale $μ_{\rm dec}$, together with a non-perturbative determination of the ratio $Λ/μ_{\rm dec}$ in the pure gauge theory. We explore this idea using a finite volume renormalization scheme for the case of $N_{\rm f} = 3$ QCD, demonstrating that a precise value of the strong coupling $α_s$ can be obtained. The idea is quite general and can be applied to solve other renormalization problems, using finite or infinite volume intermediate renormalization schemes.

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arXiv2019

Logarithmic corrections to $\mathbf{a^2}$ scaling in lattice Yang Mills theory

We analyse the leading logarithmic corrections to the $a^2$ scaling of lattice artefacts in QCD, following the seminal work of Balog, Niedermayer and Weisz in the O(n) non-linear sigma model. Restricting our attention to contributions from the action, the leading logarithmic corrections can be determined by the anomalous dimensions of a minimal on-shell basis of mass-dimension 6 operators. We present results for the SU(N) pure gauge theory. In this theory the logarithmic corrections reduce the cutoff effects. These computations are the first step towards a study of full lattice QCD at O($a^2$), which is in progress.

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arXiv2019

How perturbative are heavy sea quarks?

Effects of heavy sea quarks on the low energy physics are described by an effective theory where the expansion parameter is the inverse quark mass, 1/$M$. At leading order in 1/$M$ (and neglecting light quark masses) the dependence of any low energy quantity on $M$ is given in terms of the ratio of $Λ$ parameters of the effective and the fundamental theory. We define a function describing the scaling with the mass $M$. We find that its perturbative expansion is very reliable for the bottom quark and also seems to work very well at the charm quark mass. The same is then true for the ratios of $Λ^{(4)}/Λ^{(5)}$ and $Λ^{(3)}/Λ^{(4)}$, which play a major rôle in connecting lattice determinations of $α^{(3)}_{MSbar}$ from the three-flavor theory with $α^{(5)}_{MSbar}(M_Z)$. Also the charm quark content of the nucleon, relevant for dark matter searches, can be computed accurately from perturbation theory. We investigate a very closely related model, namely QCD with $N_f=2$ heavy quarks. Our non-perturbative information is derived from simulations on the lattice, with masses up to the charm quark mass and lattice spacings down to about 0.023 fm followed by a continuum extrapolation. The non-perturbative mass dependence agrees within rather small errors with the perturbative prediction at masses around the charm quark mass. Surprisingly, from studying solely the massive theory we can make a prediction for the ratio $Q^{1/\sqrt{t_0}}_{0,2}=[Λ\sqrt{t_0(0)}]_{N_f=2}/[Λ\sqrt{t_0}]_{N_f=0}$, which refers to the chiral limit in $N_f=2$. Here $t_0$ is the Gradient Flow scale of [1]. The uncertainty for $Q$ is estimated to be 2.5%. For the phenomenologically interesting $Λ^{(3)}/Λ^{(4)}$, we conclude that perturbation theory introduces errors which are at most at the 1.5% level, far smaller than other current uncertainties.

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arXiv2019

Extraction of bare Form Factors for $\mathrm B_\mathrm s \to \mathrm K \ell ν$ Decays in non-perturbative HQET

We discuss the extraction of the ground state $\langle \mathrm{K} ({\bf p})|V_μ(0)|\mathrm{B} ({\bf 0})\rangle$ matrix elements from Euclidean lattice correlation functions. The emphasis is on the elimination of excited state contributions. Two typical gauge-field ensembles with lattice spacings $0.075, \; 0.05$ fm and pion masses $330,\;270$ MeV are used from the O($a$)- improved CLS 2-flavour simulations and the final state momentum is $|{\bf p}|=0.5\,{\rm GeV}$. The b-quark is treated in HQET including the $1/m_\mathrm{b}$ corrections. Fits to two-point and three-point correlation functions and suitable ratios including summed ratios are used, yielding consistent results with precision of around 2% which is $not$ limited by the $1/m_\mathrm{b}$ corrections but by the dominating static form factors. Excited state contributions are under reasonable control but are the bottleneck towards precision. We do not yet include a specific investigation of multi-hadron contaminations, a gap in the literature which ought to be filled soon.

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arXiv2018

Determining the strong coupling: status and challenges

The `XIIIth Quark Confinement and the Hadron Spectrum' conference (Confinement 2018) contained a `Round Table Discussion' on the status of the determinations of the strong coupling $α_s(m_Z)$ as well as prospects for future improvements. In this contribution, we summarize the different aspects of the discussion. In particular, we cover $α_s$ determinations from inclusive observables, such as the hadronic decays of the $Z$ boson and the $τ$ lepton; from global fits of parton distribution functions (PDFs); from high-energy collider observables, and from event shapes; as well as from various observables computed by lattice QCD, specifically from the QCD static energy. There is overall good agreement between these various determinations, but there are also outliers, differing from the world average by up to $-5\%$. Nevertheless, the general agreement constitutes a beautiful and significant test of the detailed nature of the strong interactions, and provides a crucial input for high-precision calculations in QCD and beyond.

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arXiv2018

Symanzik Improvement with Dynamical Charm: A 3+1 Scheme for Wilson Quarks

We discuss the problem of lattice artefacts in QCD simulations enhanced by the introduction of dynamical charmed quarks. In particular, we advocate the use of a massive renormalization scheme with a close to realistic charm mass. To maintain O(a) improvement for Wilson type fermions in this case we define a finite size scheme and carry out a nonperturbative estimation of the clover coefficient $c_\mathrm{sw}$. It is summarized in a fit formula $c_\mathrm{sw}(g_0^2)$ that defines an improved action suitable for future dynamical charm simulations.

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arXiv2018

Large $N$ scaling and factorization in SU($N$) Yang-Mills gauge theory

The large $N$ limit of SU($N$) gauge theories is well understood in perturbation theory. Also non-perturbative lattice studies have yielded important positive evidence that 't Hooft's predictions are valid. We go far beyond the statistical and systematic precision of previous studies by making use of the Yang-Mills gradient flow and detailed Monte Carlo simulations of SU($N$) pure gauge theories in 4 dimensions. With results for $N=3,4,5,6,8$ we study the limit and the approach to it. We pay particular attention to observables which test the expected factorization in the large $N$ limit. The investigations are carried out both in the continuum limit and at finite lattice spacing. Large $N$ scaling is verified non-perturbatively and with high precision; in particular, factorization is confirmed. For quantities which only probe distances below the typical confinement length scale, the coefficients of the $1/N$ expansion are of $\mathrm{O}(1)$, but we found that large (smoothed) Wilson loops have rather large $\mathrm{O}(1/N^2)$ corrections. The exact size of such corrections does, of course, also depend on what is kept fixed when the limit is taken.

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arXiv2018

A non-perturbative exploration of the high energy regime in $N_\text{f}=3$ QCD

Using continuum extrapolated lattice data we trace a family of running couplings in three-flavour QCD over a large range of scales from about 4 to 128 GeV. The scale is set by the finite space time volume so that recursive finite size techniques can be applied, and Schrödinger functional (SF) boundary conditions enable direct simulations in the chiral limit. Compared to earlier studies we have improved on both statistical and systematic errors. Using the SF coupling to implicitly define a reference scale $1/L_0\approx 4$ GeV through $\bar{g}^2(L_0) =2.012$, we quote $L_0 Λ^{N_{\rm f}=3}_{\overline{\rm MS}} =0.0791(21)$. This error is dominated by statistics; in particular, the remnant perturbative uncertainty is negligible and very well controlled, by connecting to infinite renormalization scale from different scales $2^n/L_0$ for $n=0,1,\ldots,5$. An intermediate step in this connection may involve any member of a one-parameter family of SF couplings. This provides an excellent opportunity for tests of perturbation theory some of which have been published in a letter [1]. The results indicate that for our target precision of 3 per cent in $L_0 Λ^{N_{\rm f}=3}_{\overline{\rm MS}}$, a reliable estimate of the truncation error requires non-perturbative data for a sufficiently large range of values of $α_s=\bar{g}^2/(4π)$. In the present work we reach this precision by studying scales that vary by a factor $2^5= 32$, reaching down to $α_s\approx 0.1$. We here provide the details of our analysis and an extended discussion.

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arXiv2017

HQET form factors for $B_s\to K\ellν$ decays beyond leading order

We compute semi-leptonic $B_s$ decay form factors using Heavy Quark Effective Theory on the lattice. To obtain good control of the $1/m_b$ expansion, one has to take into account not only the leading static order but also the terms arising at $O(1/m_b)$: kinetic, spin and current insertions. We show results for these terms calculated through the ratio method, using our prior results for the static order. After combining them with non-perturbative HQET parameters they can be continuum-extrapolated to give the QCD form factor correct up to $O(1/m_b^2)$ corrections and without $O(α_s(m_b)^n)$ corrections.

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arXiv2017

SU(3) Yang Mills theory at small distances and fine lattices

We investigate the SU(3) Yang Mills theory at small gradient flow time and at short distances. Lattice spacings down to $a=0.015$ fm are simulated with open boundary conditions to allow topology to flow in and out. We study the behaviour of the action density $E(t)$ close to the boundaries, the feasibility of the small flow-time expansion and the extraction of the $Λ$-parameter from the static force at small distances. For the latter, significant deviations from the 4-loop perturbative $β$-function are visible at $α\approx 0.2\,$. We still can extrapolate to extract $r_0Λ$.

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arXiv2017

Large $N$ scaling and factorization in $\mathrm{SU}(N)$ Yang-Mills theory

We present results for Wilson loops smoothed with the Yang-Mills gradient flow and matched through the scale $t_0$. They provide renormalized and precise operators allowing to test the $1/N^2$ scaling both at finite lattice spacing and in the continuum limit. Our results show an excellent scaling up to $1/N = 1/3$. Additionally, we obtain a very precise non-perturbative confirmation of factorization in the large $N$ limit.

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arXiv2016

The determination of $α_s$ by the ALPHA collaboration

We review the ALPHA collaboration strategy for obtaining the QCD coupling at high scale. In the three-flavor effective theory it avoids the use of perturbation theory at $α> 0.2$ and at the same time has the physical scales small compared to the cutoff $1/a$ in all stages of the computation. The result $Λ_\overline{MS}^{(3)}=332(14)$~MeV is translated to $α_\overline{MS}(m_Z)=0.1179(10)(2)$ by use of (high order) perturbative relations between the effective theory couplings at the charm and beauty quark "thresholds". The error of this perturbative step is discussed and estimated as $0.0002$.

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arXiv2016

Determination of the QCD $Λ$-parameter and the accuracy of perturbation theory at high energies

We discuss the determination of the strong coupling $α_\mathrm{\overline{MS}}^{}(m_\mathrm{Z})$ or equivalently the QCD $Λ$-parameter. Its determination requires the use of perturbation theory in $α_s(μ)$ in some scheme, $s$, and at some energy scale $μ$. The higher the scale $μ$ the more accurate perturbation theory becomes, owing to asymptotic freedom. As one step in our computation of the $Λ$-parameter in three-flavor QCD, we perform lattice computations in a scheme which allows us to non-perturbatively reach very high energies, corresponding to $α_s = 0.1$ and below. We find that (continuum) perturbation theory is very accurate there, yielding a three percent error in the $Λ$-parameter, while data around $α_s \approx 0.2$ is clearly insufficient to quote such a precision. It is important to realize that these findings are expected to be generic, as our scheme has advantageous properties regarding the applicability of perturbation theory.

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arXiv2016

Slow running of the Gradient Flow coupling from 200 MeV to 4 GeV in $N_{\rm f}=3$ QCD

Using a finite volume Gradient Flow (GF) renormalization scheme with Schrödinger Functional (SF) boundary conditions, we compute the non-perturbative running coupling in the range $2.2 \lesssim {\bar g}_\mathrm{GF}^2(L) \lesssim 13$. Careful continuum extrapolations turn out to be crucial to reach our high accuracy. The running of the coupling is always between one-loop and two-loop and very close to one-loop in the region of $200\,{\rm MeV} \lesssim μ=1/L \lesssim 4\,{\rm GeV}$. While there is no convincing contact to two-loop running, we match non-perturbatively to the SF coupling with background field. In this case we know the $μ$ dependence up to $\sim 100\,{\rm GeV}$ and can thus connect to the $Λ$-parameter.

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