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Introduction to the Renormalization Group

Shang-keng Ma*,†

Shang-keng Ma*,†

  • Department of Physics and Institute for Pure and Applied Physical Sciences, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92037

  • *Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Fellow.
  • †Research supported in part by the National Science Foundation under Grant GP-38627X.
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Rev. Mod. Phys. 45, 589 – Published 1 October, 1973

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/RevModPhys.45.589

Abstract

The basic idea of the renormalization group is introduced and illustrative examples are presented. Emphasis is put on the application to the theory of critical phenomena. This article is prepared for pedagogical purposes. It is written at a level that a second-year graduate student in physical sciences can understand. No previous knowledge of critical phenomena or field theory is needed. We make no attempt to survey the field or cover a wide range of subjects. On the contrary, we limit the scope to the most basic aspects. We choose to elaborate at length to make the basic idea clear and the definitions precise, and to go through the examples very carefully. We feel that once these basic aspect are understood, there will be no difficulty in confronting the rapidly expanding literature on this subject.

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Rev. Mod. Phys. 45, 589– Published 1 October, 1973

    © 1973 American Physical Society

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