The quantum of action and finiteness of radiative corrections: Deconfining SU(2) Yang-Mills thermodynamics

Abstract: The quantum of action $\hbar$, multiplying in certain powers perturbative vertices in 4D gauge theory, is related to the action of just-not-resolved selfdual and thermal gauge field configurations, calorons and anticalorons, of charge modulus unity. Appealing to the derivation of the effective theory for the deconfining phase of SU(2) Yang-Mills thermodynamics, we conclude that these vertex inducers convey a rapidly decreasing interaction strength between {\sl fundamental} plane waves when the momentum transfer is increased away from the scale of maximal, {\sl effective} resolution. This adds a deeper justification to the renormalization programme of perturbation theory which ignores the contribution to the partition function of nontrivially selfdual configurations. We also point out a connection between the QED fine-structure constant $\alpha$ and the electric-magnetically dual of the effective gauge coupling in the deconfining phase, and we illustrate the workings of effective loops in the expansion of the pressure.