Gauge-Invariant Differential Renormalization: The Abelian Case

Abstract

A new version of differential renormalization is presented. It is based on pulling out certain differential operators and introducing a logarithmic dependence into diagrams. It can be defined either in coordinate or momentum space, the latter being more flexible for treating tadpoles and diagrams where insertion of counterterms generates tadpoles. Within this version, gauge invariance is automatically preserved to all orders in the Abelian case. Since differential renormalization is a strictly four-dimensional renormalization scheme it looks preferable for application in each situation when dimensional renormalization meets difficulties, especially, in theories with chiral and super symmetries. The calculation of the ABJ triangle anomaly is given as an example to demonstrate simplicity of calculations within the presented version of differential renormalization.