Beta-functions for a SU(2) Matrix Model in 2 + epsilon Dimensions

Abstract

To investigate the non-perturbative, electric sector of a deconfined gauge theory at nonzero temperature, we consider a SU(2) matrix model. We compute beta-functions to one loop order for the simplest extension of the O(4) nonlinear sigma model, which involves three coupling constants. Computing in the ultraviolet limit in 2 + epsilon dimensions, we find that at least one coupling is not asymptotically free.

Comments: Published version; added discussion of hep-ph/0608242