# Definition of the scaling dimension matrix?

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In this paper, it is explained that the commutator between the scaling differential operator

$$D = i(x^{\nu}\partial_{\nu})$$

and a local operator $O(x)$ is (2.6)

$$[D,O(x)] = -i(\triangle + x^{\nu}\partial_{\nu})O(x)$$

where $\triangle$ is the scaling dimension matrix. How is this scaling dimension matrix defined and how can it be obtained? I know what a scaling dimension is of course, but never heard about a scaling dimension matrix before ...

asked Dec 13, 2014
edited Dec 13, 2014
Could you share which source you found this mention in? By the way, the brackets in your commutator don't seem to match.

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The scaling dimension matrix is the (position-independent) matrix whose eigenvalues are the scaling dimensions. In the unitary case, the dilation operator is diagonalizable. If this is the case, one may choose a basis of scale covariant fields that change by an infinitesimal constant factor (the scaling dimension of the field) when an infinitesimal scaling is applied. In this basis, the scaling matrix is diagonal. If one starts directly from the assumption of scale covariant fields one gets the scaling dimensions directly, without an intervening matrix.

In general the dilation operator may or may not be the case; the author states on p.15 explicitly that s/he wants to include this case. If the normal form of the matrix has a nontrivial Jordan block, there is no basis of scale covariant fields, and one has a so-called logarithmic CFT. This is explained on p.22. (See also pp.61-62.)

Added: Since the commutator relation stated by the OP holds for every local field $O(x)$, the scale matrix must figure on the right hand side. If it is restricted to scale covariant fields, one can replace the matrix by the scaling dimension of $O(x)$.

answered Mar 3, 2015 by (12,790 points)
edited Mar 4, 2015

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