We propose a continuous real space renormalization group transformation based on gradient flow, allowing for a numerical study of renormalization without the need for costly ensemble matching. We apply our technique in a pilot study of SU(3) gauge theory with N f = 12 fermions in the fundamental representation, finding the mass anomalous dimension to be γm = 0.23(6), consistent with other perturbative and lattice estimates. We also present the first lattice calculation of the nucleon anomalous dimension in this theory, finding γ N = 0.05(5). PACS numbers: 11.15.Ha, 95.35.+d

Gradient flow has proved useful in the definition and measurement of renormalized quantities on the lattice. Recently, the fact that it suppresses high-modes of the field has been used to construct new, continuous RG transformations both analytically and on the lattice, distinct from the usual blocking techniques in spin models and gauge theories. In this work, we discuss such a formulation for scalar field theory, and we present preliminary numerical results for its application to the determination of critical exponents at the Wilson-Fisher fixed point of three-dimensional φ 4 theory.

A non-perturbative and continuous definition of RG transformations as stochastic processes is proposed, inspired by the observation that the functional RG equations for effective Boltzmann factors may be interpreted as Fokker-Planck equations. The result implies a new approach to Monte Carlo RG that is amenable to lattice simulation. Long-distance correlations of the effective theory are shown to approach gradient-flowed correlations, which are simpler to measure. The Markov property of the stochastic RG transformation implies an RG scaling formula which allows for the measurement of anomalous dimensions when transcribed into gradient flow expectation values.

Recently, the connections between gradient flow and renormalization group have been explored analytically and numerically. Gradient flow (when modified by a field rescaling) can be characterized as a continuous blocking transformation. In this work, we draw a connection between gradient flow and functional renormalization group by describing how FRG can be represented by a stochastic process, and how the stochastic observables relate to gradient flow observables. The relation implies correlator scaling formulae that can be applied numerically in lattice simulations. We present preliminary results on anomalous dimensions obtained from such measurements in the context of 3-dimensional lattice φ 4 theory.

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