Lorentz symmetry breaking as a quantum field theory regulator

Journal Article · Wed Jul 15 04:00:00 EDT 2009 · Physical Review. D, Particles Fields

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVD.80.025011· OSTI ID:21316279

Visser, Matt ^[1]

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1. School of Mathematics, Statistics, and Operations Research, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6140 (New Zealand)

Perturbative expansions of quantum field theories typically lead to ultraviolet (short-distance) divergences requiring regularization and renormalization. Many different regularization techniques have been developed over the years, but most regularizations require severe mutilation of the logical foundations of the theory. In contrast, breaking Lorentz invariance, while it is certainly a radical step, at least does not damage the logical foundations of the theory. I shall explore the features of a Lorentz symmetry breaking regulator in a simple polynomial scalar field theory and discuss its implications. In particular, I shall quantify just 'how much' Lorentz symmetry breaking is required to fully regulate the quantum theory and render it finite. This scalar field theory provides a simple way of understanding many of the key features of Horava's recent article [Phys. Rev. D 79, 084008 (2009)] on 3+1 dimensional quantum gravity.

• OSTI ID: 21316279
• Journal Information: Physical Review. D, Particles Fields, Journal Name: Physical Review. D, Particles Fields Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 80; ISSN PRVDAQ; ISSN 0556-2821
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS
FOUNDATIONS
FOUR-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
LORENTZ INVARIANCE
PERTURBATION THEORY
POLYNOMIALS
QUANTUM GRAVITY
RADICALS
RENORMALIZATION
SCALAR FIELDS
SYMMETRY BREAKING
ULTRAVIOLET DIVERGENCES