The Effectve Potential in Massless Theories
Abstract
The effective potential V in a massless self-coupled scalar theory and massless scalar electrodynamics is considered. Both the MS and Coleman-Weinberg renormalization schemes are examined. The renormalization scheme dependence of V is determined. Upon summing all of the logarithmic contributions to V, it is shown that the implicit and explicit dependence on the renormalization scale μ cancels. In addition, if there is spontaneous symmetry breaking, then the dependence on the background field cancels, leaving V flat but with non-perturbative contributions. The quartic scalar coupling in the Coleman-Weinberg renormalization scheme consequently vanishes.
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