Critical phenomena and renormalization-group flow of multi-parameter Φ^4 field theories

Abstract

In the framework of the renormalization-group (RG) approach, critical phenomena can be investigated by studying the RG flow of multi-parameter ${\Phi }^4$ field theories with an $N$-component fundamental field, containing up to 4th-order polynomials of the field. Some physically interesting systems require ${\Phi }^4$ field theories with several quadratic and quartic parameters, depending essentially on their symmetry and symmetry-breaking pattern at the transition. Results for their RG flow apply to disorder and/or frustrated systems, anisotropic magnetic systems, density wave models, competing orderings giving rise to multicritical behaviors. The general properties of the RG flow in multi-parameter ${\Phi }^4$ field theories are discussed. An overview of field-theoretical results for some physically interesting cases is presented, and compared with other theoretical approaches and experiments. Finally, this RG approach is applied to investigate the nature of the finite-temperature transition of QCD with $N_f$ light quarks.

22 pages, Plenary talk at the XXV International Symposium on Lattice Field Theory, July 30 - August 4 2007, Regensburg, Germany