July 10, 2023
In this paper we consider perturbation theory in generic two-dimensional sigma models in the so-called first-order formalism, using the coordinate regularization approach. Our goal is to analyze the first-order formalism in application to $\beta$ functions and compare its results with the standard geometric calculations. Already in the second loop, we observe deviations from the geometric results that cannot be explained by the regularization/renormalization scheme choices. Moreover, in certain cases the first-order calculations produce results that are not symmetric under the classical diffeomorphisms of the target space. Although we could not present the full solution to this remarkable phenomenon, we found some indirect arguments indicating that an anomaly similar to that established in supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory might manifest itself starting from the second loop. We discuss why the difference between two answers might be an infrared effect, similar to that in $\beta$ functions in supersymmetric Yang-Mills theories. In addition to the generic K\"ahler target spaces we discuss in detail the so-called Lie-algebraic sigma models. In particular, this is the case when the perturbed field $G^{i\bar j}$ is a product of the holomorphic and antiholomorphic currents satisfying two-dimensional current algebra.
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December 4, 2023
We consider the renormalization group flow equation for the two-dimensional sigma models with the K\"ahler target space. The first-order formulation allows us to treat perturbations in these models as current-current deformations. We demonstrate, however, that the conventional first-order formalism misses certain anomalies in the measure, and should be amended. We reconcile beta functions obtained within the conformal perturbation theory for the current-current deformations w...
November 23, 2023
We study regularization scheme dependence of K\"ahler ($N=2$) supersymmetric sigma models. At the one-loop order the metric $\beta$ function is the same as in non-supersymmetric case and coincides with the Ricci tensor. First correction in MS scheme is known to appear in the fourth loop. We show that for certain integrable K\"ahler backgrounds, such as complete $T-$dual of $\eta$-deformed $\mathbb{CP}(n)$ sigma models, there is a scheme in which the fourth loop contribution v...
Certain perturbative aspects of two-dimensional sigma models with (0,2) supersymmetry are investigated. The main goal is to understand in physical terms how the mathematical theory of ``chiral differential operators'' is related to sigma models. In the process, we obtain, for example, an understanding of the one-loop beta function in terms of holomorphic data. A companion paper will study nonperturbative behavior of these theories.
April 18, 2014
We study N=(0,2) deformed (2,2) two-dimensional sigma models. Such heterotic models were discovered previously on the world sheet of non-Abelian strings supported by certain four-dimensional N=1 theories. We study geometric aspects and holomorphic properties of these models, and derive a number of exact expressions for the beta functions in terms of the anomalous dimensions analogous to the NSVZ beta function in four-dimensional Yang-Mills. Instanton calculus provides a strai...
We discuss various questions which emerge in connection with the Lie-algebraic deformation of $\mathbb{CP}^1$ sigma model in two dimensions. First we supersymmetrize the original model endowing it with the minimal ${\cal N}=(0,2)$ and extended ${\cal N}=(2,2)$ supersymmetries. Then we derive the general hypercurrent anomaly in the both cases. In the latter case this anomaly is one-loop but is somewhat different from the standard expressions one can find in the literature beca...
October 11, 2021
We study regularization scheme dependence of $\beta$-function for sigma models with two-dimensional target space. Working within four-loop approximation, we conjecture the scheme in which the $\beta$-function retains only two tensor structures up to certain terms containing $\zeta_3$. Using this scheme, we provide explicit solutions to RG flow equation corresponding to Yang-Baxter- and $\lambda$-deformed $SU(2)/U(1)$ sigma models, for which these terms disappear.
Following a suggestion made by Tseytlin, we investigate the case when one replaces the transverse part of the bosonic action by an $n=2$ supersymmetric sigma-model with a symmetric homogeneous K\"ahlerian target space. As conjectured by Tseytlin, the metric is shown to be exactly known since the beta function is known to reduce to its one-loop value.
September 22, 2010
In this paper we begin the study of renormalizations in the heterotically deformed N=(0,2) CP(N-1) sigma models. In addition to the coupling constant g^2 of the undeformed N=(2,2) model, there is the second coupling constant \gamma describing the strength of the heterotic deformation. We calculate both \beta functions, \beta_g and \beta_\gamma at one loop, determining the flow of g^2 and \gamma. Under a certain choice of the initial conditions, the theory is asymptotically fr...
In this paper, we study the RG flow in the non-linear sigma models obtained from a 2d N=(0,2) supersymmetric QCD. The sigma model is parameterized by a single Kahler modulus. We determine its exact non-perturbative beta function using holomorphy, triality and the knowledge of the infra-red fixed point.
March 29, 2021
The $O(d,d)$ invariant worldsheet theory for bosonic string theory with $d$ abelian isometries is employed to compute the beta functions and Weyl anomaly at one-loop. We show that vanishing of the Weyl anomaly coefficients implies the equations of motion of the Maharana-Schwarz action. We give a self-contained introduction into the required techniques, including beta functions, the Weyl anomaly for two-dimensional sigma models and the background field method. This sets the st...