Regularization Dependence of the Zero Mode Dynamics in the Schwinger Model

Abstract

I compare heatkernel regularization with sharp gauge invariant cutoffs in the Hamiltonian formulation of the Coulomb gauged Schwinger model on a circle. The effective potential for the zero mode of the gauge field in a given fermionic configuration is different in these two regularizations, the difference being independent of the chosen fermionic configuration. In the continuum limit the gauge field can be localized or delocalized depending on the regulator.