Renormalization Step Calculator

Apply scale factor b to couplings in click. See linearized eigenvalues and stability instantly here. Iterate, compare, and download clean tables for sharing fast.

Inputs

Choose a coarse-graining factor and scaling dimensions, then iterate the step map.
Typical choices: 2, 3, or e.
Up to 200 steps supported.
Shown for context and notes.
Mixing applies a linear map after scaling.
Affects table rounding only.

Couplings and scaling dimensions

g1
Classification:
g2
Classification:
g3
Classification:
Interpretation: Positive y tends to grow each step; negative tends to shrink.
This calculator uses a linearized step commonly used near fixed points.

Formula used

A common renormalization-group step rescales lengths by a factor b and updates couplings. Near a fixed point, many models are well approximated by a linear map:

g' = J g,    J = A · diag(b^{y1}, b^{y2}, b^{y3})

  • g is the coupling vector (one to three components).
  • yᵢ are scaling exponents (related to operator dimensions).
  • A is an optional mixing matrix capturing linear coupling mixing.
  • Eigenvalues λ of J indicate stability per step.

How to use this calculator

  1. Set a coarse-graining scale factor b and number of steps n.
  2. Choose how many couplings you want to track (1–3).
  3. Enter initial couplings gᵢ and scaling exponents yᵢ.
  4. Optionally set target values g*ᵢ to monitor convergence.
  5. Enable mixing if you want a linear transformation between couplings.
  6. Press Calculate to view the step table above the form.
  7. Use Download CSV or Download PDF for exporting results.

Example data table

Sample setup for a two-coupling linearized flow.
bng1y1g2y2Mode
280.201.000.10-0.50Scaling only
280.201.000.10-0.50Scaling + Mixing
These numbers are illustrative and not tied to a specific material.

Professional guide to the renormalization step

1) Why coarse-graining is measured in steps

Many physical systems contain fluctuations at many length scales. A renormalization step summarizes what happens when you “zoom out” by a factor b. In practice, one step can represent blocking spins, integrating out short-wavelength Fourier modes, or rescaling a lattice spacing. This calculator lets you iterate that step and inspect how couplings evolve.

2) Couplings, exponents, and what the inputs represent

The inputs g1…gk represent effective couplings in an expanded Hamiltonian or action. The scaling exponents y control how each coupling changes under rescaling. If y > 0, the coupling typically grows with step number; if y < 0, it decays; and if y ≈ 0, it is marginal and sensitive to higher-order terms.

3) Relevant, irrelevant, and marginal directions

The calculator labels each direction by y and shows an implied growth factor λ ≈ b^y. Values λ > 1 indicate instability under coarse-graining, which is typical for relevant perturbations. Values λ < 1 correspond to attraction back toward a fixed point, as expected for irrelevant operators.

4) Mixing matrix data and cross-coupling effects

Real models often mix couplings: one operator generates another after coarse-graining. Enabling the mixing matrix A adds this effect through g' = A · diag(b^y) · g. In data terms, off-diagonal entries such as A12 represent how changes in g2 feed into the next-step value of g1. Identity A returns to pure scaling.

5) Fixed points and target tracking

A fixed point is a set of couplings that reproduces itself after the step map. While this page uses a linearized step, it still supports “target tracking” by letting you enter g*. The table reports the Euclidean distance to the target each iteration, a useful data signal for convergence or divergence trends.

6) Reading eigenvalues as stability data

The Jacobian J controls the linear response near a fixed point. The eigenvalues printed in the result summary approximate per-step amplification along eigen-directions. If a dominant eigenvalue is above one, small deviations tend to grow quickly. If all eigenvalues remain below one, the step is locally attractive.

7) Choosing practical numbers for b and steps

Common choices are b = 2 for binary blocking or b = e for continuous-style rescaling. For exploratory data, start with n = 8–20. Very large n can reveal runaway growth when y is positive, so monitor the distance-to-target column.

8) Exporting tables for reports and validation

After calculation, export a CSV for spreadsheets or a PDF for documentation. The step table supports quick checks: monotonic decay suggests an attractive regime, oscillations suggest mixing competition, and rapid growth suggests a relevant perturbation dominates the flow. Use these data patterns to validate parameter choices.

FAQs

1) What does one “renormalization step” mean here?

A step applies a scale change by b and updates couplings using the linear map shown. It is a compact model of coarse-graining, useful near a fixed point.

2) How should I interpret the scaling exponent y?

y determines how strongly a coupling changes with rescaling. Positive y tends to grow, negative tends to shrink, and near-zero indicates marginal behavior that depends on higher-order physics.

3) Why is a mixing matrix sometimes necessary?

Coarse-graining can generate new operators and couple parameters. The mixing matrix models cross-coupling between parameters so you can test how off-diagonal effects reshape the flow trajectory.

4) What is the “distance to target” column?

It is the Euclidean distance between the current coupling vector and your chosen target g*. Decreasing distance suggests attraction toward that target under the selected linear step.

5) Are the eigenvalues exact critical exponents?

No. They are linear stability indicators for the step map you entered. In real models, critical exponents can require nonlinear terms, loops, and careful definition of operators and normalization.

6) What if my results blow up quickly?

That commonly happens when one or more y are positive or when mixing amplifies growth. Try fewer steps, smaller initial couplings, or adjust A to reduce strong feedback.

7) Can I use this for teaching and lab notes?

Yes. The workflow is designed for quick demonstrations: set b, enter y values, compute, then export CSV/PDF. It works well for illustrating stability and flow concepts.

Related Calculators

Boltzmann factor calculatorPartition function calculatorCanonical ensemble calculatorGrand canonical calculatorMicrocanonical entropy calculatorChemical potential calculatorInternal energy calculatorThermal wavelength calculatorMaxwell Boltzmann speedMean speed calculator

Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.