The $f_\varrho / m_\varrho$ and $f_\pi / m_\varrho$ ratios and the conformal window

Abstract

The $f_\varrho / m_\varrho$ ratio is calculated at N$^3$LO order within perturbative (p)NRQCD with $N_f$ flavors of mass degenerate fermions. The massless limit of the ratio is expanded \'a la Banks-Zaks in $\epsilon = 16.5 - N_f$ leading to reliable predictions close to the upper end of the conformal window. The comparison of the NNLO and N$^3$LO results indicate that the Banks-Zaks expansion may be reliable down to twelve flavors. Previous lattice calculations combined with the KSRF relations provide us with the same ratio for the range $2 \leq N_f \leq 10$. Assuming a monotonous dependence on $N_f$ leads to an estimate for the lower end of the conformal window, $N_f^* \simeq 12$, by matching the non-perturbative and our perturbative results. In any case an abrupt change is observed in $f_\varrho / m_\varrho$ at twelve flavors. As a cross-check we also consider the $f_\pi / m_\varrho$ ratio for which lattice results are also available. The perturbative calculation at present is only at the NNLO level which is insufficient for a reliable and robust matching between the low $N_f$ and high $N_f$ regions. Nonetheless, using the relative size of the N$^3$LO correction of $f_\varrho / m_\varrho$ for estimating the same for $f_\pi / m_\varrho$ leads to the estimate $N_f^* \simeq 13$.