Three Loop Analysis of the Critical $O(N)$ Models in $6-ε$ Dimensions

Abstract

We continue the study, initiated in arXiv:1404.1094, of the $O(N)$ symmetric theory of $N+1$ massless scalar fields in $6-ε$ dimensions. This theory has cubic interaction terms $\frac{1}{2}g_1 σ(ϕ^i)^2 + \frac{1}{6}g_2 σ^3$. We calculate the 3-loop beta functions for the two couplings and use them to determine certain operator scaling dimensions at the IR stable fixed point up to order $ε^3$. We also use the beta functions to determine the corrections to the critical value of $N$ below which there is no fixed point at real couplings. The result suggests a very significant reduction in the critical value as the dimension is decreased to $5$. We also study the theory with $N=1$, which has a $Z_2$ symmetry under $ϕ\rightarrow -ϕ$. We show that it possesses an IR stable fixed point at imaginary couplings which can be reached by flow from a nearby fixed point describing a pair of $N=0$ theories. We calculate certain operator scaling dimensions at the IR fixed point of the $N=1$ theory and suggest that, upon continuation to two dimensions, it describes a non-unitary conformal minimal model.

34 pages, 9 figures. Some improvements and references added