The Pinch Technique and its Applications to Non-Abelian Gauge Theories

• Main Author: Cornwall, John M. (auth)
• Other Authors: Papavassiliou, Joannis (auth), Binosi, Daniele (auth)
• Format: Electronic Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press 2011
• Subjects: Nuclear physics; pinch technique; one loop; Batalin-Vilkovisky framework; gauge technique; Schwinger-Dyson equations; non-perturbative gluon mass; quantum solitons; nexuses; sphalerons; fractional topological charge; electroweak theory
• Online Access: DOAB: download the publication; DOAB: description of the publication

Non-Abelian gauge theories, such as quantum chromodynamics (QCD) or electroweak theory, are best studied with the aid of Green's functions that are gauge-invariant off-shell, but unlike for the photon in quantum electrodynamics, conventional graphical constructions fail. The pinch technique provides a systematic framework for constructing such Green's functions, and has many useful applications. Beginning with elementary one-loop examples, this book goes on to extend the method to all orders, showing that the pinch technique is equivalent to calculations in the background field Feynman gauge. The Schwinger-Dyson equations are derived within the pinch technique framework, and are used to show how a dynamical gluon mass arises in QCD. Finally the volume turns to its many applications. This book is ideal for elementary particle theorists and graduate students.