The $\Delta I=1/2$ Rule in the Chiral Limit

Abstract

We discuss the matching between long-distance and short-distance at next-to-leading in $1/N_c$ and show how the scheme-dependence from the two-loop renormalization group running can be treated. We then use this method to study the three $O(p^2)$ terms contributing to non-leptonic kaon decays, namely the usual octet and 27-plet derivative terms as well as the weak mass term using the Extended Nambu--Jona-Lasinio model as the low energy approximation. We also discuss subtleties in the momentum routing in the low energy theory and a problem in separating factorizable and non-factorizable contributions from the $Q_6$ operator in the chiral limit. We update our earlier results on the $B_K$ parameter as well.