Effective potential for the order parameter of gauge theories at finite temperature

Journal Article · Wed Jul 15 04:00:00 EDT 1981 · Phys. Rev. D; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.24.475· OSTI ID:6313250

Weiss, N

SU(n) gauge theories at finite temperature T = ..beta../sup -1/ are analyzed in terms of the spontaneous breakdown of a Z(n) symmetry corresponding to the order parameter L(x) = (1/n)Tr P exp(ig..integral../sup ..beta..//sub 0/ A/sub 0/(x,t)dt). An ''effective potential'' for L is evaluated in the one-loop approximation for both the continuum and the lattice gauge theories. It is shown that the Z(n) symmetry is broken, so that the continuum theory does not confine for high temperatures. Similarly the lattice theory does not confine for sufficiently weak coupling if the number of time sites N/sub t/ is finite. It is argued that as N/sub t/..-->..infinity the Z(n) symmetry is restored and the theory will confine for all values of the coupling.

• Research Organization: Department of Physics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1W5, Canada
• OSTI ID: 6313250
• Journal Information: Phys. Rev. D; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Rev. D; (United States) Vol. 24:2; ISSN PRVDA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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FIELD THEORIES
FUNCTIONS
GAUGE INVARIANCE
HAMILTONIANS
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SYMMETRY BREAKING
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WEAK-COUPLING MODEL