TY - JOUR
T1 - Two-dimensional sigma models
T2 - Modelling non-perturbative effects in quantum chromodynamics
AU - Novikov, V. A.
AU - Shifman, M. A.
AU - Vainshtein, A. I.
AU - Zakharov, V. I.
PY - 1984/12
Y1 - 1984/12
N2 - This review is devoted to the discussion of the parallel existing between four-dimensional gauge theories and two-dimensional sigma models. We use sigma models as a laboratory allowing us to investigate such issues as the operator product expansion beyond perturbation theory, vacuum condensates, low-energy theorems and other non-perturbative aspects. All these questions are intensively discussed in the current literature, and we give a critical analysis of the situation. In particular, it is explained that, contrary to recent claims, one can define the operator product expansion beyond perturbation theory in a perfectly consistent way, with no ambiguities. The second part of the review represents a detailed discussion of the supersymmetric O(3) sigma model. After a simple description of the model we concentrate on instantons. The instanton-based method for calculating the exact Gell-Mann-Low function and bifermionic condensates is described. An analogue of this method has been previously used by us in four-dimensional Yang-Mills theories. Here we try to elucidate all aspects of the method in simplified conditions. The basic points are: (i) the instanton measure from purely classical analysis; (ii) a non-renormalization theorem in self-dual external fields; (iii) existence of vacuum condensates and their compatibility with supersymmetry. Pursuing pedagogical purposes we use much space for technical details and computations.
AB - This review is devoted to the discussion of the parallel existing between four-dimensional gauge theories and two-dimensional sigma models. We use sigma models as a laboratory allowing us to investigate such issues as the operator product expansion beyond perturbation theory, vacuum condensates, low-energy theorems and other non-perturbative aspects. All these questions are intensively discussed in the current literature, and we give a critical analysis of the situation. In particular, it is explained that, contrary to recent claims, one can define the operator product expansion beyond perturbation theory in a perfectly consistent way, with no ambiguities. The second part of the review represents a detailed discussion of the supersymmetric O(3) sigma model. After a simple description of the model we concentrate on instantons. The instanton-based method for calculating the exact Gell-Mann-Low function and bifermionic condensates is described. An analogue of this method has been previously used by us in four-dimensional Yang-Mills theories. Here we try to elucidate all aspects of the method in simplified conditions. The basic points are: (i) the instanton measure from purely classical analysis; (ii) a non-renormalization theorem in self-dual external fields; (iii) existence of vacuum condensates and their compatibility with supersymmetry. Pursuing pedagogical purposes we use much space for technical details and computations.
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U2 - 10.1016/0370-1573(84)90021-8
DO - 10.1016/0370-1573(84)90021-8
M3 - Review article
AN - SCOPUS:0000509922
SN - 0370-1573
VL - 116
SP - 103
EP - 171
JO - Physics Reports
JF - Physics Reports
IS - 3
ER -