Asymptotic freedom as a spin effect

Abstract

It is shown how both the qualitative and the quantitative features of the asymptotic freedom of quantum chromodynamics can be understood in a rather intuitive way. The starting point is the spin of the gluon, which because of the gluon self-coupling makes the vacuum behave like a paramagnetic substance. Combining this result with Lorentz invariance, we conclude that the vacuum exhibits dielectric antiscreening and hence asymptotic freedom. The calculational techniques are with some minor modifications those of the Landau theory on the diamagnetic properties of a free-electron gas.