Four-Loop QCD Corrections to the Rho Parameter

Abstract

The four-loop QCD corrections to the electroweak $\rho$-parameter arising from top and bottom quark loops are computed. Specifically we evaluate the missing ``non-singlet'' piece. Using algebraic methods the amplitude is reduced to a set of around 50 new master integrals which are calculated with various analytical and numerical methods. Inclusion of the newly completed term halves the final value of the four-loop correction for the minimally renormalized top-quark mass. The predictions for the shift of the weak mixing angle and the W-boson mass is thus stabilized.