Universality of gauge coupling constant in the Einstein-QED system

Abstract

In this paper we discuss the universality of the renormalization of the gauge coupling constant in the quantum electrodynamics coupled to the Einstein's gravity in the framework of effective field theory in an arbitrary gauge. We observe that the renormalization of the three-point functions with different particles receive different contributions from the gravitational sector. Despite that, the universality of the gauge coupling constants is guaranteed by the Ward identity that makes the renormalized electric charge receive no contribution from the gravitational sector at one-loop order.

20 pages, 8 figures. V2: calculations in arbitrary gauge, conclusions have been updated. V3: a section was added; to appear in PRD