First-order formalism for $\beta$ functions in bosonic sigma models from supersymmetry breaking

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. M...

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.

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...

The three dimensional nonlinear sigma model is unrenormalizable in perturbative method. By using the $\beta$ function in the nonperturbative Wilsonian renormalization group method, we argue that ${\cal N}=2$ supersymmetric nonlinear $\sigma$ models are renormalizable in three dimensions. When the target space is an Einstein-K\"{a}hler manifold with positive scalar curvature, such as C$P^N$ or $Q^N$, there are nontrivial ultraviolet (UV) fixed point, which can be used to defin...

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...

The ground state energy of integrable asymptotically free theories can be conjecturally computed by using the Bethe ansatz, once the theory has been coupled to an external potential through a conserved charge. This leads to a precise prediction for the perturbative expansion of the energy. We provide a non-trivial test of this prediction in the non-linear sigma model and its supersymmetric extension, by calculating analytically the associated Feynman diagrams at next-to-leadi...

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.

Renormalisation group flows of the bosonic nonlinear \sigma-model are governed, perturbatively, at different orders of \alpha', by the perturbatively evaluated \beta--functions. In regions where \frac{\alpha'}{R_c^2} << 1 the flow equations at various orders in \alpha' can be thought of as \em approximating the full, non-perturbative RG flow. On the other hand, taking a different viewpoint, we may consider the abovementioned RG flow equations as viable {\em geometric} flows i...

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...

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.