We generalize the $N_F=2\mathrm{}$ Schwinger model on the lattice by adding a charged scalar field. In this so-called $\chi U{\phi }_2$ model the scalar field shields the fermion charge, and a neutral fermion, acquiring mass dynamically, is present in the spectrum. We study numerically the mass of this fermion at various large fixed values of the gauge coupling by varying the effective four-fermion coupling, and find an indication that its scaling behavior is the same as that of the fermion mass in the chiral Gross-Neveu model. This suggests that the $\chi U{\phi }_2$ model is in the same universality class as the Gross-Neveu model, and thus renormalizable and asymptotic-free at arbitrary strong gauge coupling. The model illustrates that strongly coupled gauge theories might provide an alternative to the Higgs mechanism of mass generation.

• Received 3 April 1996

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.54.7741