21.11.2018 (Wednesday)

Polygon Seminar: Hugh Osborn: Seeking fixed points

Triangular Seminar Hugh Osborn (DAMTP, Cambridge University)

at:
15:00 IC
room Blackett LT2
abstract:

Fixed points are crucial in understanding the RG flow of quantum field theories. The conformal bootstrap has proved a wonderful tool in determining the properties of CFTs at fixed points but tends to require guidance in terms of what symmetries to impose and what is the spectrum of relevant operators. Here I review what can be said in general by using the time honoured epsilon expansion. Although qualitatively this is not nowadays the most efficient method it provides qualitative information about possible fixed points. Finding fixed points which cannot be linked to the epsilon expansion could provide a clue to non Lagrangian theories.