Unitarity Flow Conjecture: An On-Shell Approach to the Renormalization Group
Abstract
We propose that the broad architecture of the renormalization group flow in quantum field theories is, at least in part, fixed by unitarity. The precise statement is summarized in the unitarity flow conjecture, which states that the nonlinear S-matrix identities obtained by imposing unitarity imply those needed to derive the renormalization group equations. As a proof of principle, we verify this conjecture to all loops at the leading and subleading logarithmic order in the four-dimensional massless λϕ^{4} theory using on-shell techniques, without reference to any counterterms or Feynman diagrams.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Mathematical Dynamics and Fractals
Homotopy and Cohomology in Algebraic Topology
Advanced Topology and Set Theory
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Physical Review Letters
- Publisher
- American Physical Society (APS)
- Volume
- 136
- Issue
- 9
- Pages
- 091604–091604
- Publication date
- 5 February 2026
- Language
- EN