We propose a novel constraint on the gauge dynamics of strongly interacting gauge theories stemming from the a theorem. The inequality we suggest is used to provide a lower bound on the conformal window of four dimensional gauge theories.
A novel theoretical approach to the problem of the compositeness ($X$) of a resonance or bound state is developed on the basis of the expectation values of the number operators of the free particles in the continuum. This formalism is specially suitable for effective field theories in which the bare elementary states are integrated out but that give rise to resonance and bound states when implemented in nonperturbative calculations. We demonstrate that $X=1$ for finite-range energy-independent potentials, either regular or singular. A non-trivial example for an energy-dependent potential is discussed where it is shown that $X$ is independent of any type of cutoff regulator employed. The generalization of these techniques to relativistic states is developed. We also explain how to obtain a meaningful compositeness with respect to the open channels for resonances, even if it is complex in a first turn, by making use of suitable phase-factor transformations. Defining elementariness as $X=0$, we derive a new universal criterion for the elementariness of a bound state. Along the same lines, a necessary condition for a resonance to be qualified as elementary is given. The application of the formalism here developed might be of considerable practical interest.
We study the SU(3) gauge theory with twelve flavours of fermions in the fundamental representation as a prototype of non-Abelian gauge theories inside the conformal window. Guided by the pattern of underlying symmetries, chiral and conformal, we analyze the two-point functions theoretically and on the lattice, and determine the finite size scaling and the infinite volume fermion mass dependence of the would-be hadron masses. We show that the spectrum in the Coulomb phase of the system can be described in the context of a universal scaling analysis and we provide the nonperturbative determination of the fermion mass anomalous dimension gamma*=0.235(46) at the infrared fixed point. We comment on the agreement with the four-loop perturbative prediction for this quantity and we provide a unified description of all existing lattice results for the spectrum of this system, them being in the Coulomb phase or the asymptotically free phase. Our results corroborate the view that the fixed point we are studying is not associated to a physical singularity along the bare coupling line and estimates of physical observables can be attempted on either side of the fixed point. Finally, we observe the restoration of the U(1) axial symmetry in the two-point functions.
We discuss the existence of a conformal phase in SU(N) gauge theories in four dimensions. In this lattice study we explore the model in the bare parameter space, varying the lattice coupling and bare mass. Simulations are carried out with three colors and twelve flavors of dynamical staggered fermions in the fundamental representation. The analysis of the chiral order parameter and the mass spectrum of the theory indicates the restoration of chiral symmetry at zero temperature and the presence of a Coulomb-like phase, depicting a scenario compatible with the existence of an infrared stable fixed point at nonzero coupling. Our analysis supports the conclusion that the onset of the conformal window for QCD-like theories is smaller than Nf=12, before the loss of asymptotic freedom at sixteen and a half flavors. We discuss open questions and future directions.
We use gauge/gravity duality to study the thermodynamics of a generic almost conformal theory, specified by its beta function. Three different phases are identified, a high temperature phase of massless partons, an intermediate quasi-conformal phase and a low temperature confining phase. The limit of a theory with infrared fixed point, in which the coupling does not run to infinity, is also studied. The transitions between the phases are of first order or continuous, depending on the parameters of the beta function. The results presented follow from gauge/gravity duality; no specific boundary theory is assumed, only its beta function.
A new critical endpoint is pinned down in the thermomagnetic-QCD phase structure, which is suggested to be present between the two-flavor and three-flavor massless limits. It is signaled by the electromagnetic scale anomaly in QCD, and is shown to be most eminent in a weak magnetic field regime, which is not well explored on lattice QCD.