Renormalization Scheme Dependence and the Renormalization Group Beta Function

Abstract

The renormalization that relates a coupling "a" associated with a distinct renormalization group beta function in a given theory is considered. Dimensional regularization and mass independent renormalization schemes are used in this discussion. It is shown how the renormalization $a^{\ast }=a+x_2{a}^2$ is related to a change in the mass scale $\mu$ that is induced by renormalization. It is argued that the infrared fixed point is to be a determined in a renormalization scheme in which the series expansion for a physical quantity $R$ terminates.

Comments: 16 pages, 1 figure, minor typos fixed and additional comments made; accepted at Physical Review D