Instantons, Higher-Derivative Terms, and Nonrenormalization Theorems in Supersymmetric Gauge Theories

TL;DR

This paper examines how multi-instantons influence higher-derivative terms in supersymmetric gauge theories, confirming nonrenormalization theorems through scaling arguments in N=2 and N=4 models.

Contribution

It provides a nonperturbative analysis of instanton effects on higher-derivative terms, confirming nonrenormalization theorems in specific supersymmetric theories.

Findings

Confirmed nonperturbative contributions of instantons to higher-derivative terms.

Validated nonrenormalization theorems for 4-derivative/8-fermion terms.

Used scaling arguments to support theoretical predictions.

Abstract

We discuss the contribution of ADHM multi-instantons to the higher-derivative terms in the gradient expansion along the Coulomb branch of N=2 and N=4 supersymmetric SU(2) gauge theories. In particular, using simple scaling arguments, we confirm the Dine-Seiberg nonperturbative nonrenormalization theorems for the 4-derivative/8-fermion term in the two finite theories (N=4, and N=2 with N_F=4).