Scalar-fermion fixed points in the ε expansion

Abstract The one-loop beta functions for systems of N s scalars and N f fermions interacting via a general potential are analysed as tensorial equations in 4 − ε dimensions. Two distinct bounds on combinations of invariants constructed from the couplings are derived and, subject to an assumption, are used to prove that at one-loop order the anomalous dimensions of the elementary fields are universally restricted by γ ϕ ⩽ 1 2 $$ \frac{1}{2} $$ N s ε and γ ψ ⩽ N s ε. For each root of the Yukawa beta function there is a number of roots of the quartic beta function, giving rise to the concept of ‘levels’ of fixed points in scalar-fermion theories. It is proven that if a stable fixed point exists within a certain level, then it is the only such fixed point at that level. Solving the beta function equations, both analytically and numerically, for low numbers of scalars and fermions, well-known and novel fixed points are found and their stability properties are examined. While a number of fixed points saturate one out of the two bounds, only one fixed point is found which saturates both of them