Short Distance Analysis in Algebraic Quantum Field Theory

TL;DR

This paper introduces a general method within algebraic quantum field theory to compute and classify the short-distance behavior of local observables, aiding in understanding particle content and symmetries at small scales.

Contribution

It presents a novel, general approach for analyzing the scaling limits of local observable algebras in quantum field theory.

Findings

Method successfully tested in specific models

Enables classification of particle and symmetry content at small scales

Provides intrinsic meaning to concepts like 'parton' and 'confinement'

Abstract

Within the framework of algebraic quantum field theory a general method is presented which allows one to compute and classify the short distance (scaling) limit of any algebra of local observables. The results can be used to determine the particle and symmetry content of a theory at very small scales and thereby give an intrinsic meaning to notions such as ``parton'' and ``confinement''. The method has been tested in models. (Invited talk given at the International Congress of Mathematical Physics, July 1997, Brisbane)