Past exam of the quantum field theory course of the University of Oxford 2023 1 e Solution 2026-10-25
The additional six-leg interaction vertex has Feynman rule . Since both interactions lack derivatives, the graph identity still gives , with . The difference is that a one-vertex contraction of the phi-six theory can leave four external legs: choosing the contracted pair gives . Its quartic interaction correction isConsequently a one-loop quartic interaction counterterm is now necessary:The one-loop mass counterterm from c is unchanged. Contracting four legs of a single six-leg interaction vertex gives double contractions, hence a two-loop raw self-energy . Its subtraction must include the quartic interaction counterterm insertion, rather than subtracting this raw expression in isolation.
All divergent field-dependent coefficients are most simply organized by the normal-ordering subtraction scheme in two dimensions. With , express a potential normal ordered at mass in ordinary fields:Thus its divergent subtraction coefficients, in this scheme, areIndeed the two-loop self-energy terms are , which the displayed mass counterterm cancels. The constant terms only affect vacuum energy. After removing all one-vertex self-contractions, every remaining subgraph is ultraviolet finite. Additional finite on-shell renormalization scheme adjustments are subject to the same qualification as d.