Recursion Relation for BCFW Boundary Terms of NLSM Amplitudes

Abstract

When computing tree-level amplitudes of the nonlinear sigma model (NLSM) via the BCFW on-shell recursion relation, boundary terms are inevitable. Here, the BCFW recursion relation refers to the original prescription with momentum-shifts on two external legs, as opposed to the generalized versions with redefined momentum-shifts. We propose a simple general scheme that determines the boundary terms of NLSM amplitudes recursively from lower-point amplitudes. Hidden zeros and mass dimensions severely constrain boundary terms, allowing us to compute these terms from the $2$-split property of the tree amplitudes. Combined with the existing rules in the literature for obtaining the two currents in the $2$-split from on-shell amplitudes, this scheme enables the recursive construction of boundary terms for higher-point amplitudes from lower-point amplitudes.

arXiv comment34 pages, 5 figures