Renormalization
A mathematical technique in quantum field theory used to handle divergent infinite loop integrals by re-expressing parameters in terms of observed physical values.
Governing formula
m_obs = m_bare + δm, e_obs = e_bare + δe
SI unit
Theoretical Technique
In depth
Higher-order quantum loop calculations initially yield divergent infinite quantities due to virtual particle fluctuations. Renormalization absorbs these infinities into redefined physical parameters (like charge and mass), producing finite predictions matching experiments.
Examples in the real world
Calculating the anomalous magnetic dipole moment of the electron to 10 decimal places accuracy in QED.