Compact three-dimensional QED: A simple example of a variational calculation in a gauge theory

Journal Article · Wed Feb 15 04:00:00 EST 1995 · Physical Review, D (Particles Fields); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.51.1948· OSTI ID:6580131

Kogan, I I ^[1]; Kovner, A ^[2]

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1. Theoretical Physics, 1 Keble Road, Oxford, OX13NP (United Kingdom)
2. Physics Department, University of Minnesota, 116 Church Street, S.E., Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455 (United States)

We apply a simple mean-field-like variational calculation to compact QED in 2+1 dimensions. Our variational ansatz explicitly preserves the compact gauge invariance of the theory. We reproduce in this framework all the known results, including dynamical mass generation, Polyakov scaling, and the nonzero string tension. It is hoped that this simple example can be a useful reference point for applying similar approximation techniques to non-Abelian gauge theories.

• OSTI ID: 6580131
• Journal Information: Physical Review, D (Particles Fields); (United States), Journal Name: Physical Review, D (Particles Fields); (United States) Vol. 51:4; ISSN PRVDAQ; ISSN 0556-2821
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

662110 -- General Theory of Particles & Fields-- Theory of Fields & Strings-- (1992-)
662220* -- Quantum Electrodynamics-- (1992-)
72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS
CALCULATION METHODS
COMPACTING
ELECTRODYNAMICS
FIELD THEORIES
GAUGE INVARIANCE
INVARIANCE PRINCIPLES
MASS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MEAN-FIELD THEORY
PARTICLE MODELS
QUANTUM ELECTRODYNAMICS
QUANTUM FIELD THEORY
SCALING
THREE-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
UNIFIED GAUGE MODELS
VARIATIONAL METHODS