In four-dimensional theories with massless particles, one-loop amplitudes can be expressed in terms of a basis of scalar integrals and rational terms. Since the scalar bubble integrals are the only UV divergent integrals, the sum of the bubble coefficients captures the one-loop UV behavior. In particular, in a renormalizable theory the sum of the bubble coefficients equals the tree-level amplitude times a proportionality constant that is related to the one-loop beta function coefficient ${\beta }_0$. In this paper, we study how this proportionality is achieved from the viewpoint of on-shell amplitudes. For $n$-point MHV amplitude in (super) Yang-Mills theory, we demonstrate the existence of a hidden structure in each individual bubble coefficient which directly leads to systematic cancellations within the sum of them. The origin of this structure can be attributed to the collinear poles within a two-particle cut. Due to the cancellation, the one-loop beta function coefficient can be identified as a sum over the residues of unique collinear poles in particular two-particle cuts. Using CSW recursion relations, we verify the generality of this statement by reproducing the correct proportionality factor from such cuts for $n$-point split-helicity ${\mathrm{N}}^k\mathrm{MHV}$ amplitudes.

• Received 16 September 2012

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.87.085028