In theoretical physics, it is usually possible to organize physical phenomena according to the energy scale or distance scale. The theory of renormalization group is based on this paradigm. The short-distance, ultraviolet (UV) physics does not directly affect qualitative features of the long-distance, infrared (IR) physics, and vice versa.
This separation of scales holds in quantum field theory. However, in its generalizations such as noncommutative field theory and quantum gravity - string theory in particular - it is expected that interrelations between UV and IR physics start to emerge. In many cases, these interrelations, UV/IR mixing, may be demonstrated explicitly.
Longer, technical description can be found here
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Famous quotes containing the word mixing:
“It was not till the middle of the second dance, when, from some pauses in the movement wherein they all seemed to look up, I fancied I could distinguish an elevation of spirit different from that which is the cause or the effect of simple jollity.—In a word, I thought I beheld Religion mixing in the dance.”
—Laurence Sterne (1713–1768)