Can there be non-trivial IR fixed points in asymptotically free theories?

In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between asymptotically free theories and fixed points in the UV and IR regimes. It is stated that an asymptotically free theory based on an IR fixed point would be trivial at low energies, but may have non-trivial interactions at higher energies. The question is raised whether all UV fixed points imply asymptotic freedom and all IR fixed points imply triviality. The conversation also mentions Kerson Huang's QFT book, where it is stated that QED is not asymptotically free due to the absence of a UV fixed point. However, it is suggested that there may be an IR fixed point, which could lead to triviality. The conversation also references a paper and a general idea that discuss the
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geoduck
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I understand that asymptotically free theories must be based on UV fixed points rather than IR ones, because the RG flow goes into rather than out of an IR fixed point, so an asymptotically free theory based on an IR fixed point is trivial at low energies. But at higher energies the coupling will be nonzero/nontrivial, so it seems you can have an asymptotically free theory based on an IR fixed point, but at low energies there's no interaction, so what's the problem with this: I see the statement in books that you can't have an asymptotically free theory with an IR fixed point.

Do all UV fixed points imply asymptotic freedom, and all IR fixed points imply triviality?

I'm reading Kerson Huang's QFT book and he says for QED perturbation theory shows there's no UV fixed point and hence theory is not asymptotically free. That's fine as I get that asymptotically free theories must have UV fixed points, so QED can't be asymptotically free. But he then says perturbation theory suggests there's an IR fixed point, which leads to triviality. Does this mean all IR fixed points have to be at the origin of coupling constant space?
 
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FAQ: Can there be non-trivial IR fixed points in asymptotically free theories?

What is the difference between UV and IR fixed points?

UV and IR fixed points refer to two different types of fixed points in a system. UV fixed points are associated with high energy or short distance scales, while IR fixed points are associated with low energy or long distance scales.

What is the significance of UV and IR fixed points in physics?

UV and IR fixed points are important in understanding the behavior of physical systems, particularly in the context of phase transitions and critical phenomena. They can also help us understand the underlying structure and symmetries of a system.

Can a system have both UV and IR fixed points?

Yes, a system can have both UV and IR fixed points. This is known as a multi-critical point, where both high and low energy scales are important in determining the behavior of the system.

How do UV and IR fixed points relate to renormalization group flows?

UV and IR fixed points are connected by renormalization group flows, which describe how a system behaves at different energy scales. The flow between UV and IR fixed points can reveal important information about the phases and critical behavior of a system.

Can UV and IR fixed points change with different parameters?

Yes, the location and properties of UV and IR fixed points can depend on the parameters of the system. For example, changing the temperature or external field can alter the fixed points and the nature of phase transitions in a system.

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