Conformal windows of Sp(2N) and SO(N) gauge theories

We study the nonperturbative dynamics of nonsupersymmetric asymptotically free gauge theories with fermionic matter in distinct representations of the SO(N) and Sp(2N) gauge groups. We use different analytic methods to unveil the associated conformal windows for the relevant matter representations. We propose a direct test for confronting and establishing the validity of the analytic methods used to constrain the conformal windows. By comparing the resulting windows for SU, Sp, and SO a pleasing universal picture emerges. © 2009 The American Physical Society.